Q&A Forum
Shelley
Hi there, I have seen a response about whether it is safe to elevate the cot when baby suffers from congestion. My baby has mostly recovered from a cold but still coughs in the night and the GP recommended to put the cot on a slight incline. We use a coffee table book so it's about a 3cm incline and she does not sleep with any bedding like pillows / blankets (just a long sleeve sleep suit). It's impossible to tell if it's making any difference to the cough. We were also recommended to use a humidifier by other mums, though the GP said there is no proven benefit to it. This *seems* to be helping, only in that I notice her cough sounds drier when I forget to switch it on at night. May I please ask: - Is it unsafe to incline the cot 3-4cm if baby (12 months) has no bedding in the cot other than the firm mattress? - Is it safe to use a humidifier in the room? (The one we have does not heat the water so there is no risk of burns) Thankyou!!
Red Nose Education
Sleeping babies on a firm, well-fitting & flat (not elevated) mattress is recommended to reduce the risk of SUDI/SIDS - which occurs in babies less than 12 months of age.
Many babies & toddlers do not seem to stay put when their mattress is elevated.
Product Safety Australia has developed a new standard for inclined sleep surfaces, limiting the incline to less than 7 degrees.(I’m not sure what that is in cm’s)
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/business/search-mandatory-standards/infant-sleep-products-mandatory-standards
If you use the humidifier, ensure it is well out of reach of your baby.
Don’t forget your Child/Maternal Health Nurse can also help with many health issues.