Your Baby

Unless your doctor or health visitor tells you otherwise you should always put your baby down to sleep on his back.

Position your baby with his feet at the foot of the cot, securely tuck the covers under the mattress and make sure that they only reach the baby's shoulders so that he can't wriggle under the covers.

Your baby's hands and feet may feel cold, this is perfectly normal. Do not check your baby's body temperature by touching his hands or feet ... instead feel his neck or his tummy.

Do not cover your baby's head when you put him in the cot as a baby loses excess heat through his head to regulate his body temperature.

When your baby reaches 5 or 6 months old he will begin to roll over which is natural. Do not prevent your baby from rolling over however you should still put him down to sleep on his back.

Make sure that you remove your baby's outdoor clothing when you bring him inside even if this means waking him up.

Do not smoke in the same room as your baby, make sure your visitors understand the importance of this rule as baby's who are exposed to cigarette smoke have a greatly increased chance of suffering cot death.

If you are concerned about your baby's health seek medical advice straight away. Trust your instincts.

Your Baby's Bedding

Your baby's mattress should be clean, fit the cot well and have a waterproof cover. If you have inherited a second hand cot you must buy a new mattress.

A pillow should not be used until your baby is 12 months old. A baby should lie flat to help his spine develop properly and he could suffocate if he rolls over face down in to the pillow.

Duvets should not be used until your baby is 12 months old.

If you have a cot bumper make sure that it is fitted securely and that you check the ties regularly for signs of wear and tear. When you baby is able to roll over or sit up unaided you must remove the cot bumper the prevent your baby getting tangled in the padded fabric.

Take care with baby quilts to ensure that your baby doesn't get too hot.

If you fold a baby blanket it counts as two blankets.

If your baby is unwell he may be hot and feverish and will need less covers.

How many covers should I use?

Room is 15'C / 60'F = Cold
1 x sheet + 3 layers of blanket or one quilt

Room is 18'C / 65'F = Ideal
1 x sheet + 2 layers of blanket

Room is 21'C / 70'F = Hot
1 x sheet + 1 x blanket

Room is 24'C / 75'F = Too Hot
1 x sheet

Room is 27'C / 80'F = Too Hot
Do not cover your baby

The Nursery

Use a room thermometer in the nursery above the cot. Try to keep the room at a18'C / 65'F.

Do not put the cot in direct sunlight, next to a radiator or in a draft.

Never use a hot water bottle in your baby's cot.

Do not put stickers or transfers inside the cot, or anywhere that your baby can get hold of them from the cot, to avoid choking accidents.