Sleeping Equipment (0-12 Months)

Understanding Sleeping Equipment (0-12 Months)

  • The sleeping equipment for 0-12 months is designed to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for the infant.
  • This includes items such as moses baskets, cribs, baby monitors, and sleeping bags.

Moses Baskets

  • Moses baskets provide a cosy and portable sleeping space for newborns.
  • They are usually made of woven material, and have handles for carrying.
  • Moses baskets should have a firm, flat mattress and it should fit snugly with no gaps.
  • It is important to replace the mattress for each new baby to reduce the risk of cross-infection.

Cribs

  • Cribs are larger than Moses baskets and provide more space as the baby grows.
  • They should be sturdy with well-fitting slats and a robust frame.
  • Like Moses baskets, the mattresses in cribs should be firm, flat and well-fitting.
  • Loose items such as toys and pillows should not be left in the crib, as they present a risk of suffocation.

Baby Monitors

  • Baby monitors help parents to keep an eye on their babies while they are in another room.
  • They come in two main types: audio and video. Audio monitors let parents hear their babies, while video monitors let them see as well as hear their infants.
  • When purchasing, consider sound quality, battery life, and range.

Sleeping Bags

  • Baby sleeping bags can provide a safer alternative to blankets, which can cover the baby’s face and cause suffocation.
  • Sleeping bags should have the correct tog rating for the season - the higher the tog, the warmer the bag.
  • It should also be the right size to prevent the baby from slipping down into the bag.

Considerations When Choosing Sleeping Equipment

  • All equipment should conform to recognised safety standards.
  • The sleeping environment should be suitable for the baby’s size, weight, and developmental stage.
  • Other factors to consider include the product lifespan and whether it can grow with the child.
  • The ease of cleaning is also essential as babies often spit-up and have leaky diapers.
  • Cost can be a deciding factor, but remember safety should never be compromised for cost-saving.