Safe Sleep for Infants

Making your baby’s world as safe as you can is part of being a parent.

The safest place for your baby to sleep or nap is in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current safety regulations. A crib can be used until there is a possibility that the child could climb out or when he is taller than 90 cm (35 in). A cradle is safe until your baby can push up on his hands & knees or has reached the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit. A bassinet can be used until he can roll over or has reached the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit.

Choosing a safe crib, cradle or bassinet

Do not use a crib made before September 1986. Also, cribs older than 10 years are more likely to have broken or missing parts, and to be missing warnings or instructions
Cribs, cradles and bassinets with decorative cut-outs or corner posts taller than 3 mm (0.12 in) can be dangerous and should be avoided
The mattress should be ﬁrm, and no more than 15 cm (6 in) thick. The cradle or bassinet mattress should not be more than 3.8 cm (1½ in) thick
Make sure the crib, cradle or bassinet bars are no more than 6 cm (23/8 in) apart.

Safe Sleep environment

Baby’s crib should be completely empty, except for the crib’s mattress and ﬁtted sheet
Soft bedding, such as pillows, comforters, and bumper pads, can increase the risk of suffocation
Make sure the sides are locked and securely in place after putting the baby in the crib
Never place a baby to sleep on the same sleep surface as an adult or another child
Ensure your crib, cradle or bassinet is away from windows, curtains, blind cords, lamps, electrical plugs and extension cords
Move the mattress down to its lowest level as soon as baby can sit up
Remove mobiles and toy bars when baby begins to push up on her hands and knees.

There comes a time when you have to move your toddler to their new bed. Making the move to a toddler bed is a big one, and there are definitely some factors to keep in mind before doing so. Remember, no longer being in a crib means that your child now has easy access to his room and the house in a way he never had before. That would make any child a little curious! Before making the big move to a toddler bed, keep the following safety concerns in mind.

What You Ought to Know When Transitioning Your Child to a Toddler Bed

Avoid Sleepy-time Hazards

Sleepy (or mischievous) children can get into trouble if they try to wander around the house unsupervised at night. In order to sidestep this potential issue, try putting a bell on your child’s door so you’ll hear him if he tries to wander.

Put all Toys Away

Your child doesn't have to leave his room to get into trouble - he’s probably tempted enough as it is right in his very own space. Make sure you safely remove any toys or objects that could break or are a potential choking hazard before you put your child to sleep. Also do a quick sweep of the floor to remove anything that could trip up your child if he does get out of bed in the dark.

Place the bed Properly

A toddler bed is much closer to the ground than a crib, but even so, it’s not a bad idea to keep the area around your child’s new bed cushioned, at least with a rug. Also, position it away from the window to avoid drafts or any dangling cords or curtains.

Make baby your roommate

Room-sharing means you sleep in the same room as your baby, put your baby in his own crib, cradle, or bassinet. Room-sharing helps protect your baby from SIDS. Room-sharing keeps your baby close without the risks of bed-sharing. Share a room, not a bed. When you are in the same room, it is easier to learn and respond to your baby’s cues. This helps keep your baby safe, and builds a strong bond between you and your baby.

Once you have these safety precautions in place, it’s time to celebrate! Moving to a toddler bed is a big step, and it’s important you show your child how proud of him you are.