For the first few months, you'll need a crib, a carry cot or a Moses basket (a light, portable bassinet). Your baby needs to sleep somewhere that's safe, warm and not too far from you.
If you are borrowing a crib or a cot, or using one that has been used by another of your children, you should ideally buy a new mattress. If you aren't able to do this, use the cot mattress you have, as long as it is firm (not soft), flat, fits the cot with no gaps, is clean, and waterproof.
You will need:
- a firm mattress that fits the cot snugly without leaving spaces round the edges, so that your baby cannot trap their head and suffocate
- sheets to cover the mattress – you need at least four because they need to be changed often (fitted sheets make life easier but they are quite expensive, so you could use pieces of old sheet)
- light blankets for warmth
Pillows and duvets
Don't use pillows and duvets – they are not safe for babies who are less than a year old due to the risk of suffocation. Duvets can also make the baby too hot. Quilted sleeping bags and baby nests are not suitable for your baby to sleep in when you're not there because of the danger of suffocation.
Cot safety
Your baby will spend many hours in a cot, so make sure it is safe. If you're buying a new cot, look for the British Standard mark BS 1753. Also:
- The mattress must fit snugly, with no space for the baby’s head to get stuck.
- The bars must be smooth, securely fixed, and the distance between each bar should be not less than 25mm (one inch) and not more than 60mm (2.5 inches), so that your baby’s head can’t get trapped.
- The cot should be sturdy.
- The moving parts should work smoothly and not allow fingers or clothing to get trapped.
- Cot bumpers are not recommended because babies can overheat or get tangled in the fastenings.
- Never leave anything with ties, such as bibs or clothes, in the cot because they might get caught around your baby’s neck.
The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back in a cot in the same room as you for the first six months.
For more information on safe sleeping, see reducing the risk of cot death. You can also visit the website of the FSID (Foundation for the Study of Infant Death) which has lots of information on safe sleeping, and answers some common questions.
Find out more about what you'll need for your baby, including different nappies, clothes and bathing equipment.
