Making a Space just for your Baby

As small as he is, it is important that he has his own space. It is where all his precious belongings will be gathered and he will know that it is where he can find his toys or take refuge. This is one of the first steps towards learning to live in a community, because by showing him that you respect his privacy it will be easier to make him understand that he must not enter your bedroom any time he feels like it.

Even if your home is minute, you can easily find a solution for baby to have his domain. In a calm corner a partition can be made with a new or clean curtain, or a folding screen.

 

Hygiene and Security Tips

• Remember special anti-humidity paints are now available - ideal for baby’s room
• Toys
- check that they are suitable for baby’s age
- do not allow him to play with buttons and small toys which could be swallowed
- no soft toys in the bed (risk of suffocation), or large ones that could be used as a step
- large plastic boxes with wheels are useful for storing toys
• Bed
- the mattress must be new and fit exactly to avoid baby catching a foot whilst asleep
- no pillow during the first months, it could be dangerous if baby cannot free himself rapidly
- a sleeping bag or sleep suit is ideal during the spring, autumn and winter months, but be careful with zips where his mouth could be caught
- no duvet for the first 12 months as possible danger of suffocation
- cot bumpers; make sure that ribbons tie on the outside away from baby sight
- mobiles must be fixed securely to baby’s bed with no sharp angles or apparent fixation system, and also away from his grip once he starts to lift himself
• Temperature must not exceed 19 - 20 degrees centigrade to allow baby to sleep and breathe easily; make sure the radiator is not be too close to his bed.