Guide to safe sleeping in your baby’s cot
Follow the below guidelines to ensure that your baby is as safe as they can possibly be while sleeping by reducing the risk of SIDS.
• Put your baby on the back to sleep as recommended by the Back to Sleep campaign.
• Tuck your baby's bedding in securely to ensure that your baby’s head remains uncovered during sleep. It is recommended that all sheets and blankets are tucked under baby’s armpits.
• Use bedding specifically designed for the cot. Read more information on cot sizes in South Africa here.
• It is recommended that quilts, duvets, pillows and soft toys are used in the cot from the age of 1. Cot bumpers should be removed once your baby is able to pull themselves up unaided.
• Position your baby's feet at the bottom of the cot - known as the Feet to Foot position. The Feet to Foot position means that baby’s feet should touch the foot of the cot, this will prevent them from sliding down beneath the sheets.
• Do not put your baby on a water bed or bean bag and do not use a hot water bottle.
• Use a clean, firm, well-fitting mattress.
• Make sure you baby does not over heat by following our guide on how much bedding to use for your baby.