Hi, My son is 4 months old and sleeps in a bassinet next to us in our bedroom. Our room isn’t big enough for his cot but recently he has been trying to roll as well as shuffling to the top of the bassinet in his sleep Would it be safe to use a travel cot that’s bigger before we move him to his nursery cot? Thanks

It’s great that you’re aware of the Red Nose safe sleep recommendations, including keeping baby in your room for the first 6 months, and moving baby into a cot once they are rolling.

Red Nose recommends “Sleep baby in their own safe sleep space in the parent or caregiver’s room for the first 6 months”:
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-the-safe-sleep-recommendations-mean

The first 6 months is considered a “critical developmental period” for all babies in relation to safety in sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI & SIDS):
https://rednose.org.au/article/why-are-safe-sleeping-recommendations-so-important

Some parents find a portable cot (that meets Mandatory Standards) is helpful to continue room sharing till 6 months.
If using a Portacot, check that it meets the Mandatory Australian Standards and that the locking mechanism and mesh are in good condition.
Use only the mattress that comes with the cot and do not add any other mattress or padding. More details are here: https://rednose.org.au/article/portable-cots

Now that baby has started to roll, it’s important to cease swaddling and have his arms free. Having his arms free and the space of a cot will enable him to learn how to roll well and confidently. Most babies will be rolling over by 4- 5 months. Some earlier, some later. This is very normal as babies grow and become stronger.

Many babies prefer to sleep on their side or tummy once they are rolling.
This is not something that needs to be stopped. It is important to make the “new” environment as safe as possible.
https://rednose.org.au/article/what-do-we-do-now-that-a-baby-has-started-to-roll-over

How does he go with tummy time when awake?
Increasing tummy time when awake is important to build upper body strength to roll well (both ways). Is he rolling from tummy to back during tummy time, holding his head well and/or reaching for toys?

It is important to maintain all of the rest of the safe sleep recommendations, in particular:
- always place baby on back for sleep,
- keep head & face uncovered (nothing loose or soft in the cot),
- provide the safe environment (cot with firm, flat - not elevated) mattress.

https://rednose.org.au/article/setting-up-a-safe-nursery-what-products-do-you-really-need