Keeping a clear cot: the safest cot

A waterproof mattress or protector is a great idea for your baby’s cot, as it will help keep the mattress clean and dry because you can wipe it clean easily.

A baby’s needs are different to an adult’s. Rather than being breathable, it’s more important that a mattress is waterproof or has a fitted waterproof cover. This helps to stop bacteria building up inside the mattress so there is less risk of infection, which may increase the risk of le syndrome de la mort subite du nourrisson (SMSN).  

While we don’t recommend any specific products, there are a few simple essentials that can help you choose a cot:

• Make sure it has a firm, flat mattress with a waterproof cover. Avoid soft mattresses, and mattresses with any soft areas, cushioned sides or raised edges, especially around the baby’s head. These products can mean the baby gets too hot or even block their breathing if their face presses against a soft area.
• Keep the cot clear of any extra items such as pillows and toys, all the baby needs is lightweight bedding, firmly tucked in no higher than their shoulders, or a baby sleeping bag.
• Also check the cot meets British safety standards – find out more in the next question.

The main thing to look out for is a cot with a firm, flat, well-fitting mattress, with no cot bumpers, raised or soft edges, or anything designed to keep the baby in one position such as wedges or straps.

Check that any product you’re thinking of buying has passed the British safety standards for baby sleep products. These tells you that a product has passed certain safety tests, such as making sure it will not fall apart or easily catch fire. You should also check these if you buy or are given a cot second hand.  The safety standards you need are:   

Lits d'enfant et lits de voyage : BS EN 716-1:2017

Paniers mosaïques et nacelles : BS EN 1466:2014 ou
BS EN 1466:2023

Berceaux de chevet : À partir de 2020, tous les lits d'enfant de chevet devront être conformes à la nouvelle norme de sécurité BS EN 1130:2019. Cela signifie que les lits d'enfant ne doivent plus avoir de côté qui s'abaisse complètement.

Matelas : BS 7177:2008+A1:2011

Matelas pour lits de bébé, lits de voyage et lits d'enfant : BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021

Plus, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions that come with the cot.

Babies should sleep in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, with a firm, flat, mattress with a waterproof cover. Avoid any raised, soft or padded sides because it’s possible for the baby’s face to press against them which would block their breathing, and place the baby flat on their back to keep their airways open. Having a waterproof mattress cover means you can keep them clean easily.

The safest cot is a clear cot: keep the cot clear of any items that could cover your baby’s face and head, such as bumpers, toys and loose bedding. This will help keep their airways clear so they can breathe easily.

Even though it’s best to have their own sleep space, keep your baby in the dans la même pièce que vous for the first six months so you can keep an eye on them.

Don’t sleep you baby in anything that puts them in an upright seated position such as a car seat or high chair because their heads can flop forward meaning their airways aren’t clear. It’s OK if a baby falls asleep in a car seat while driving short distances but take them out as soon as you get to your destination and place them on a flat surface.