When you start thinking about where your baby is going to sleep at night or decorating your child's bedroom, you might find it useful to keep these safety tips in mind:
• All cots should be deep enough to be safe for your baby, have bars that are less than 45-65 mm apart and not have any cut-outs or steps. If your cot is second-hand or borrowed, make sure cot bars are less than 45-65 mm apart (a can of Coke cannot fit between the slats) to prevent your baby's head from slipping between the bars.
• If your cot is second-hand and painted, strip all paint and re-paint it with lead-free paint. If your child breathes lead dust or fumes or swallows anything with lead in it, he can get lead poisoning, which can cause learning disabilities and other neurological problems.
• Check the cot to be sure that the mattress fits snugly; there should be no corner-post extensions and no decorative cut outs in the headboard or foot board which could trap your baby's limbs.
• Put your baby to sleep on his back to decrease the risk of
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Don't use a pillow in the cot. For safe sleeping, your baby needs a surface that is firm and flat.
• When you're not in the room with your baby, keep the drop side of his cot up and locked.
• Position the cot away from windows, heaters, lamps, wall decorations, cords, and furniture which can be used to climb out of the cot.
• Avoid curtains and blinds with cords -- dangling cords carry a risk of strangulation. If you already have them, make sure that you tie up dangling cords.
• Once your child can push up on his hands and knees, you'll have to remove that adorable mobile and any toys that hang across the cot. When he can pull up, take out the bumper pads, too -- they can be used as steps -- and put the mattress in its lowest position so that he can't climb out of the cot.
• When the cot mattress is at its lowest height and the top rail is below your child's chest, it's time to move him to a bed.
• Stay with your baby when he is on the changing table. You may choose to put your changing mat on the floor so that there is no danger of him falling.
• Keep toiletries such as baby lotion and wipes, out of your infant's reach.
• Choose flame-retardant sleepwear and make sure pajama feet aren't too long or socks too slippery if your baby is pulling up or starting to walk.
• Secure wardrobes and bookshelves to walls to prevent them from falling over on your child. For the same reason, always remember to close drawers.
For other general tips on how to keep your baby safe that apply to every room in your home, see making your home safe for your baby.
Source: http://www.babycenter.com.my/baby/sleep/safeenvironment/
