Family guide
A clear cot is a safer cot
What your baby's cot or cot bed really needs, following UK safer sleep advice.
When you are expecting a baby, it is tempting to buy the beautiful cot sets: the quilt, the bumper, the matching pillow. UK safer sleep advice says your baby needs far less, and that less really is safer.
The Lullaby Trust, the UK charity focused on safer baby sleep, recommends a clear cot for babies in their first 12 months: no pillows, duvets, bumpers or soft toys, just a firm, flat, well-fitting mattress and a sheet. Its advice is designed to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
This guide summarises The Lullaby Trust's advice. For full guidance, visit the Lullaby Trust website, or speak to your midwife or health visitor.
In short
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back, for every sleep.
- Use a firm, flat, well-fitting mattress and a fitted sheet. Nothing else in the cot.
- No pillows, duvets, quilts or cot bumpers for babies under 12 months.
- Keep the room at 16 to 20°C, and use a baby sleeping bag or a firmly tucked blanket rather than a duvet.
What the cot needs, and what it does not
A firm, flat mattress
Designed for the cot, and fitting snugly with no gaps around the edges.
A well-fitting fitted sheet
Taut and smooth, with no loose fabric. Our cot bed fitted sheet is cut for a 70 × 140cm mattress.
A waterproof mattress protector
Fitted and flat, to keep the mattress clean. It should sit smoothly under the sheet.
A baby sleeping bag
The right size and tog for the room, so your baby cannot slip underneath bedding.
Pillows, duvets and quilts
Not for babies under 12 months. They can cover your baby's face or cause overheating.
Bumpers and soft toys
The Lullaby Trust advises keeping the cot clear of anything that could block your baby's face or head.
Back to sleep. Feet to foot. A clear, flat cot.
Making up the cot, step by step
Check the mattress fits
There should be no gaps between the mattress and the cot sides. Cot beds are usually 70 × 140cm; cots are usually 60 × 120cm.
Add a flat protector
A cot bed waterproof mattress protector goes on first, smooth and taut.
Fit the sheet
Stretch the fitted sheet over each corner so it is tight and flat, with no loose fabric.
Feet to foot
Place your baby on their back with their feet touching the end of the cot. If you use a blanket, tuck it firmly no higher than their shoulders.
Check the room
Aim for 16 to 20°C. A room thermometer makes this easy.
Keep at least two fitted sheets and two protectors for the cot. Night-time changes happen, and having a fresh set ready means you can change the cot in a minute and get everyone back to sleep.
Choosing a cot bed sheet
Your baby spends many hours with their cheek against the sheet, so softness and fit matter. Our Ackly Bamboo cot bed fitted sheet is a 65% bamboo and 35% long-staple cotton sateen, OEKO-TEX certified, so it has been tested for harmful substances. Wash it before first use, and check the fit every time you change it.
As your child grows, our children's bedding guide covers every stage from cot bed to big bed.
Sheet Story
Soft, simple, well-fitting
The Ackly Bamboo cot bed fitted sheet and cot bed waterproof protector, made for a 70 × 140cm mattress. Free UK delivery on orders over £80.
Shop cot bed bedding →Questions we are often asked
Can my baby have a pillow or duvet?
Not in the first 12 months. The Lullaby Trust advises a clear cot with no pillows, duvets, quilts or bumpers.
What temperature should my baby's room be?
The Lullaby Trust recommends 16 to 20°C.
Are cot bumpers safe?
The Lullaby Trust advises against cot bumpers, as part of keeping the cot clear of anything that could cover your baby's face or head.
What size is a cot bed mattress?
Cot bed mattresses are usually 70 × 140cm, and cot mattresses 60 × 120cm. Always check your own mattress and choose a sheet that fits it tightly.
Every bed tells a Sheet Story
