What do I need for a cot?

[bluespix77]

Hi
I'm a first time Mum and writing a list of stuff we need to get. What exactly do I need for the cot? So far I have 2 fitted sheets, 2 flat sheets. Do I need a bumper? Do I need a cot duvet (is this suitable for a newborn)? or maybe a couple of cot blankets? Anything else? Thanks.

Hi bluespix77. Those sheets should be enough to get you started. You do not need a bumper or a duvet. Your little one will be too young for a duvet for quite a while.

What I would recommend instead is to invest in a swaddling blanket (you can get these in mothercare or pick one up on ebay) for the first 8-12 weeks. Wrapping your baby up in this will help them sleep better as they have a reflex that makes their arms fling out when they are sleeping, which can wake them up constantly!

Once they have outgrown the swaddling blanket, move them into sleeping bags (again, mothercare or ebay) rather than blankets. Babies cannot wriggle down into the sleeping bags like they can under blankets so it reduces the risk of cot death. You can get dofferent togs to suit the weather/heat in your house.

Hope this helps. There is so much to think about and most of the stuff you buy you probably won't even use, but that's what everyone does with their first! This forum is such a good source of advice and support, I wish I knew about it first time round! Good luck xxx