how to set up a safe cot

choose a safe cot and mattress

choose a cot with open slatted sides to support airflow and ensure it meets current australian safety standards

use a firm, flat and clean mattress that is the correct size for the cot and fits closely against every side without spaces where your baby could become trapped

cover the mattress with a fitted sheet only

keep the cot clear

keep pillows, doonas, quilts, cot bumpers, sheepskins, loose toys, mattress padding and bulky bedding out of the cot

position the cot away from curtains, blind cords, heaters and other items that may create a hazard around the sleep space

position your baby safely

place your baby on their back for every sleep, with their feet at the bottom of the cot

this helps keep bedding lower on the body and away from the head and face

your baby’s head, neck and face should remain uncovered throughout sleep

use blankets with care

choose a lightweight cellular cotton blanket and avoid heavy, bulky or heat-trapping bedding

keep the blanket below the arms and no higher than chest level so the head, face and neck remain completely uncovered

red nose australia advises placing your baby with their feet at the bottom of the cot, keeping a lightweight blanket no higher than chest level and firmly tucking it beneath the mattress on three sides

maison elle founder tanya personally does not firmly tuck blankets beneath the mattress

instead, she gently nestles a lightweight cellular cotton blanket around the shape of her baby, keeping it below the arms and positioned low on the body and away from the face and head

this is tanya’s personal parenting practice and differs from official red nose australia guidance

speak with your trusted midwife, doctor or child and family health nurse about the safest option for your baby’s age, development and sleep environment

avoid overheating

dress your baby so they feel comfortably warm rather than hot or sweaty

adjust sleepwear and bedding according to the room temperature and avoid excessive, heavy or bulky layers

keep your baby’s head uncovered during sleep

introduce comfort items with care

red nose australia recommends keeping comforters and soft toys out of the sleep space until at least 7 months, corrected for prematurity, and ideally throughout the first 12 months

for babies older than 7 months, parents should consider their child’s individual development and weigh the risks and benefits of introducing a small comfort item

sleepy elle softie is suitable from 7 months and may first become part of supervised awake time, supervised pram journeys, travel and familiar wind-down moments before sleep

the maison elle perspective

at maison elle, we favour natural, breathable fibres and simple layers that can be adjusted according to the room and your baby

we use lightweight cotton clothing, an organic bamboo and cotton stretch wrap for newborn swaddling, correctly fitted infant sleeping bags and lightweight cellular cotton blankets

we avoid merino, synthetic fibres and heavy or bulky bedding

whatever sleepwear or bedding you choose, place your baby on their back and keep their head, face and neck completely uncovered

related reading

explore The Maison Elle Sleep Softie

how to create a calm bedtime ritual for your baby

what should my baby wear to sleep?

signs your baby is overtired and how to reset

dream feed: what it is and whether it helps

building a calmer night routine