Safe to put toys in a cot for baby to self-entertain?

[stuckperson]

Someone I know mentioned they did this with their baby back in the day - as something to play with on waking.
DS is a poor sleeper who wakes early and I was wondering if it was something I could try too.. but was wondering what toys would be safe. Does anyone have any ideas for me?

How old is he?

How old is he? I have always put age-appropriate toys in the cot once my 2 DC were able to move around and find them.

Ds1 loved having books in his cot from being about 1 - but he has always adored having books read to him. Although DS2 (16 months) is totally the opposite and will not sit and read books at all, he also seems to like having them in his cot. Most mornings, he is already awake when we go to wake him up and he is sat or led there reading his books.

I also leave other small toys in that are safe for him to play with.

8 and a half months

Yes, I'd put a few bits in there.
Nothing too big and nothing too heavy.
I don't know what kind of toys you have, but nothing too small and make sure you check them all for loose/small/dangerous parts every day.

Yes should be fine. Maybe a couple of soft toys that have squeezy/squeaky bits/mirrors/soft books?

Thanks both of you, will do that
Dunno why I was being so paranoid.. thanks for reassurance!

DD2 has one of those light dsounds thing that turns on if sh bashes it! She could do that by 5 months and it entertains her for about 40 minutes

We have one of those - but stuck it to the outside of the cot. Good idea, will move it to the inside!

I have the Fisher Price cot activity centre - (unfortunately only available in pink). I had the same model 30 years ago: timeless, and invaluable. DD (14 months) plays with it when she wakes up, and sometimes when she falls asleep.

direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-4136/mNe.1.aspx

Also still using the Tiny Love 'Symphony in Motion' mobile, which has buttons she can press. She's not used it to climb out of the cot yet!

www.babyconcierge.co.uk/symphony-in-motion-sweet-island-dreams-mobile.ir?cName=great-gifts-new-baby- over-40

Plus a couple of soft toys, a Taggies blanket, and a little book.

The activity centre has been the best though - she's only had it a month: before then, she'd start crying as soon as she woke up.

DD has quite a few cuddly toys in with her, i think she does play with them in the morning, but i have gone in in the morning to find them all over the floor having being flung across the room. so just don't leave anything that could cause damage if thrown