Introducing a duvet and bedding to your baby's cot can be a significant milestone in their growth and development. However, as a parent, you may be wondering when it is the right time to make the transition. There are some guidelines you should follow to ensure that your baby stays safe and comfortable while sleeping.
When it comes to introducing bedding, the most important factor to consider is your baby's age. According to the Lullaby Trust and NHS, babies should be placed on their back to sleep, with no bedding or soft objects in the cot for the first six months of life. This is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is more common in babies who sleep on their fronts.
When your baby is around 12 months old, you can start to introduce a duvet. However, it is important to choose a duvet that is suitable for your baby's age and weight. The tog rating (which measures the duvet's thermal insulation) should be lower for babies and young children than for adults. A tog rating of 4.5 or lower is recommended for babies and young children, while adults usually use a tog rating of 10.5 or higher.
When choosing a duvet, you should also consider the materials it is made from. Natural materials such as cotton or wool are breathable and can help regulate your baby's body temperature. Synthetic materials such as polyester can trap heat and make your baby too hot, which can be dangerous. The Clair de Lune Micro-Fresh® range of duvets are available in wool or cotton and are available to fit a cot or cot bed, they’re also treated with advanced Micro-Fresh® technology keeps that keeps the duvet fresh and odour-free, providing a clean and hygienic sleeping environment for your little one. This ingenious technology is also effective against E.Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. So you can be sure that your baby is getting a safe night's sleep.
In addition to choosing the right duvet, you should also ensure that your baby's cot is set up safely. The cot should have a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly against the sides of the cot. The bedding should be tucked in tightly, so your baby cannot become tangled or trapped. You should also avoid placing any soft objects such as pillows or stuffed toys in the cot.
In summary, you can introduce a duvet and bedding to your baby's cot when they are around 12 months old. Before this age, it is recommended to use a light blanket or baby sleeping bag instead. When choosing bedding, it is important to consider your baby's age and weight, as well as the materials used in the bedding. Always ensure that your baby's cot is set up safely, with no soft objects or loose bedding that could pose a risk. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your baby stays safe and comfortable while sleeping.
