The major considerations are the safety aspects of both. If a cot or bassinette has been handed down in a family and has not been bought new, it needs to be checked as safe so it does not pose a risk of harm. New, or second hand, your cot must comply with the safety requirements of the National Standard AS/NZS 2172:2003. The standard can be found on the Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ website. Make sure the cot you are buying or intend to use meets this standard.
For more information on keeping your child’s cot safe, see the Ministry of Consumer Affairs website.
Swaddling has been found useful by many parents to help their child develop sound sleeping habits. However it is paramount that swaddling be done correctly to make it a safe practice . If you choose to swaddle, you baby needs to be wrapped firmly, maintain a clear face, and always be lying flat on their back unless they are being held. Stop swaddling when your baby starts to roll over.
For a demonstration on how to swaddle safely, visit the Change for Children website.
Some babies don’t like the feeling of being contained in a wrap and prefer not to be. Not all babies are happy to be wrapped and wriggle their way out, no matter how well the wrap is constructed! This is fine and wrapping should not be something which is forced on a baby. Tucking your baby in and making sure there is not a lot of loose bedding they can slide under is a safe option.
An alternative to wrapping is to use a sleeping bag. You will need to make sure you get one which is the right size for your baby and which has a fitted neck and armholes. These are particularly useful in winter and you can add layers of clothing underneath, depending on how cold it is.
The safety of your little one is paramount. In order to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death of an Infant (SUDI), also known as SIDS or Cot death, it is vital to follow the safe sleeping recommendations from SIDS New Zealand, and Change for our Children, to ensure they sleep safely. All babies in all cultures and at all times need these 6 conditions to protect them from SUDI.
Having a smoke-free pregnancy and household.
On their back for sleeping.
When asleep a clear face and head free from hazards that can lead to suffocation.
Sleeping with baby in your room for the first 6 months.
family is not smoke free.
The babies that are safest from SUDI have all 6 factors present.