thread: How to make cot appealing but still SIDS safe?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Middle Victoria
    8,924

    How to make cot appealing but still SIDS safe?

    DD was sleeping in a hammock and coming into our bed for feeds/ part co-sleeping. In the hammock, she slept perfectly still and slept well. In the big bed she is pretty still and sleeps ok. In the cot, not so much sleeping happening and when she wakes very unhappy. she tends to move around whole lot more too.

    i would like her to spend at least part of the night in her cot. anything i can do to it to make it mre appealing for sleep but still adhere to SIDS guidelines which kinda say nothing in bed except bub?

    If she naps on our bed during the day she is also quite still and quite content. i have pillows at edge of bed but this won't stop her soon if she wakes and goes wandering- hence one reason why i would like her to sleep in cot.

  2. #2

    Mar 2004
    Sparta
    12,662

    Maybe some bright pictures on the walls?
    A mobile?

  3. #3
    Enchanted Guest

    Can you sleep with her cot sheet for a night so it smells like you, then pop it back in her cot?

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Add Little Chicken on Facebook

    Mar 2010
    Melbourne
    1,855

    Is her mattress harder then yours? Maybe she is used to softness. Could you try to put a soft (but not to thick) blanket under the sheet to soften it a bit?

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Sep 2009
    Melbourne
    1,164

    :yeahthat: I used to swaddle DS in a scarf/wrap thing I wore all the time. Maybe one of those glow worm toys that plays soothing songs?

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Middle Victoria
    8,924

    Is her mattress harder then yours? Maybe she is used to softness. Could you try to put a soft (but not to thick) blanket under the sheet to soften it a bit?
    I think you might be on to something! Gonna try with a lambswool under the sheet.

    i had a mobile above it earlier but it kept distracting her and waking her up with her trying to reach it. i am looking for a projector thingy to put a moving pattern on roof.

    thanks 4 the suggestions

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    2,109

    Hi Kate - my DD loves her cot, she gets really excited when we put her in it even when she is really sleepy. I put it down to the curtains we have right next to the cot. They aren't overly bright but they have lots of animals on them so lots of things to look at.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Middle Victoria
    8,924

    We have funky curtains in her room, but she still sleeps in our room. She still feeds overnight, and i am not very strong overnight so it is easier if i don't have to walk far. Plus i don't think i am ready for her to go in her own room yet.

    Not sure, things seem to distract her so if she slightly opens her eyes she wants to investigate whatever bright shiny thing rather than settling again.

    She is happiest co-sleeping but i'm not gettingmuch sleep atm. DH is sick though so that is adding to the mix.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    2,109

    I think co-sleeping is great if that's what works best for Daisy I would go with smells then and wrap her or cover her with something that smells like you.

    It's horrible when anyone in the family is sick, hope your DH feels better soon.

  10. #10
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Feb 2006
    melbourne
    11,462

    how about a blankie?? we found it worked wonders for DD2, she now has two and 3 stuffed toys, they all make her feel safe and secure

  11. #11

    Jul 2009
    Out North, Vic
    8,538

    I think the projector sounds like a great idea you can get some fisher price ones, i will google and let you know what i find.
    She is such an alert little girl, i was going to suggest something similar to what Z has but i honestly think she would wake up and try it out herself..

    I'm happy to give you a lend of it to see if it helps though, Z likes it but i'm sure she could cope for a couple of days without it

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Mar 2008
    North Northcote
    8,065

    when we transitioned DD2 we started by getting her to do a day sleep in there. that way she falls asleep seeing her cot and where she is, and wakes and can see where she is. we found that bit by bit she started to feel 'safe' in her cot itms.

    hth xx