What to buy?
There are so many things that you might want to buy but there are only five things that you really need to keep your baby healthy and safe.
1. cot
2. mattress
3. room thermometer
4. blankets or baby sleep bag
5. dummy
Cot
The safest place for your baby to sleep is on his back in a cot, crib or moses basket in a room with you for the first six months. If you use a moses basket make sure it has only a thin lining.
Mattress
It is very important that your baby's mattress is clean, dry, firm, flat and well fitting. Ideally you should buy a new mattress for each new baby. If you are not able to do
this, use the one you have as long as it was made with a completely waterproof cover and has no tears, cracks or holes.
Thermometer
Babies don't need especially warm rooms. All-night heating is rarely necessary. To keep an eye on the temperature buy a simple room thermometer, available for £2.75 from FSID - the cot death charity - at www.fsid.org.uk
Blankets or baby sleep bag
It can be dangerous if your baby's head becomes under the covers. Place her with her feet to the foot of the cot, with sheets and blanket/s firmly tucked in and no higher
than her shoulders, so she can't wriggle down under the covers. Or, you can use a baby sleep bag.
Dummy
Using a dummy every time you settle your baby to sleep - day and night - can reduce the risk of cot death. If breastfeeding, do not begin to give a dummy until your baby is one month old to ensure breastfeeding is well established. Don't worry if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep, and don't force him to take a dummy if he doesn't want it. Never coat the dummy in anything sweet. Gradually wean him off a dummy after six months and before one year.