It is important that the mattress is the right size for the cot, you do not want space between the edge of the crib and the mattress
Moses basket, crib, co-sleeper or cot? It is an absolute minefield for anyone let alone a first-time parent. Sleep safety for a new baby is essential, it is literally where your child will spend the first months of life so if you're stuck in a rut and not sure what to buy, here is the lowdown on everything you need to know about buying a newborn crib.
Location
First things first, all leading health organisations recommend babies sleep next to their parents for the first six months of life. So there is no rush setting up a nursery just yet because chances are it will just gather a lot of dust.
Beside your bed
Your baby will be tiny and may look a little lost in a full-sized cot from day one so many parents opt to use a cradle, co-sleeper or moses basket, especially in the first few weeks. moses basket can be super handy as it is portable and can be moved from room to room and as a general rule can be used until baby is roughly four to six months old.
A cradle mimic's a cot but is a much smaller version and usually rocks from side to side to help soothe little ones to sleep. Cradles can prove costly and have a lightweight wooden frame and just like a moses basket they can be used for up to six months.
Co-sleepers are all the rage at present and just like a cradle it mimics a cot but with added benefits. Co-sleepers can be attached to your bed frame and allow you to transfer baby in and out at ease especially during late night feeds. Generally, co-sleepers are not transportable and can cost anything up to €200 for a short few months.
While your baby may look a little lost in a wooden cot as a newborn, it is the most cost-effective way when purchasing goods for your infant. Not only will your baby grow into their space you will not have to worry about transitioning your child from crib to cot to bed over time. That's right, some cots can be made into toddler beds making it the most eco-friendly option.
Mattress
As an unwritten rule, you should buy a new mattress for a new baby even if you have more than one child. A mattress should be clean and firm - you want it to maintain its shape or to sag with baby's weight. It is important that the mattress is the right size for the cot, you do not want space between the edge of the crib and the mattress. A sprung mattress is the most recommended for newborn babies.
Cot safety
If the crib is on wheels make sure you can lock them into place especially on wood or tiled floors. The cot should not wobble when you shake it, it should sit sturdily in one place and finally if you choose to use a second-hand cot ensure there are no nails or screws sticking out anywhere or if it has been upcycled check for splinters and that none of the paint is peeling.
Bedding
No matter what type of frame you choose for your baby always use 100% cotton sheets and make sure it correctly fits your mattress.
Bumpers
Bare is best. As cute as they look, crib bumpers and cushioned padding is a complete no-no when it comes to safe sleep. Keep your baby's sleep space free from pillows, comforters, toys and blankets.
Other things to consider
To keep baby warm at night use a swaddle, an extra layer of clothing or a sleep sack that is specially designed for babies at night. Keep your babies cot or crib away from windows, curtains, cords and radiators at all times.
It is also very important as a parent to keep an eye on product recalls not just on cribs and cots but all baby-related items. Check out the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission website for more information.