Is your child sleeping safely?

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There are few sights more beautiful than a slumbering baby or child. Not only do they embody tranquillity, but they also give you some peace and quiet! It doesn't necessarily mean you'll have peace of mind, however. You're likely to wonder if he'll climb out of the cot or get caught in the bars. Or, every parent's nightmare, will he silently suffer a cot death?

There's no shortage of answers: family and friends, health visitors, bed manufacturers and medical experts all offer advice on sleep safety. Confusingly, this often conflicts. But rest assured that there are also tried-and-trusted measures, which reduce the risks. And once you know your child's safely in the land of nod, you can sleep soundly, too.

Should my baby sleep in my bedroom?

The Department of Health suggests that a baby should sleep in his parents' room for the first six months, as this is considered to reduce the risk of cot death. But it's unclear why, and the reduction is small so don't worry if it's not practical.

What should my baby sleep in?

Many parents start with a Moses basket or carrycot; both are portable and compact. For babies to sleep safely in either, use the same rules as for cots: ensure the mattress is a close fit, keep bedding light and put him with his feet at the bottom of the mattress so he can't slip further under his blanket, and tuck the blanket around his chest.

- Next: what features should a cot have?

More help and advice

- Baby sleep solutions
- The sleep rules
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