Is it ok to use a hard item such as a rattle or teether in my sons cot?

Hello,

Thank you for contacting Red Nose with your question “Is it ok to use a hard item such as a rattle or teether in my sons cot?”

Red Nose recommends to keep soft toys out of the sleeping environment for babies under seven months of age because they may cover the nose and mouth and interfere with breathing. Red Nose understands that babies seven months or older are more likely to explore objects in their sleeping environments than younger babies. Some babies over seven months of age may appreciate a small object such as a soft toy to provide comfort and connection (transitional object) during times of separation from their parent. By this stage most babies are able to lift their heads up and turn their face to the side, having developed the strength in their neck, shoulders, arms, and core to do so. If you are concerned your baby is unable to move their face away from the comforter chosen then Red Nose would recommend removing the comforter and discontinuing its use immediately. It is important that if you do choose to have a toy in your seven month old babies bed that you keep the cot free of large soft toys, pillows, bumpers, activity centres and anything else that could be ‘stacked’ to assist a young child/toddler to climb out of the cot. Check the toy for loose buttons, batteries, ribbons, anything that a child could potentially choke on or accidently strangle themselves with. For more information please see our information statement: https://rednose.org.au/article/soft-toys-in-the-cot