[Missmarymack]

We've borrowed a Phil and Teds portacot for our 8 week old DD to sleep in while we are away. We usually swaddle her in a muslin and then cover her in a blanket. But you CAN'T tuck in the blankets in this portacot and I'm worried about her turning and ending up with her head covered during the night. Her feet are at the bottom of the portacot, but that wot stop her turning and also the blankets aren't tucked in firmly.

How do people use this cot safely? I can't put her in a sleepin bag as we didn't bring any with us.

This post has been edited by Missmarymack: 29/12/2012, 04:17 AM

[notjustyet]

Does she move around much in her sleep? My DD didn't move much at that age (but neither of my kids would let me wrap them either, and DD won't sleep with any blanket or sheets on her legs at all).

If you're worried about her getting cold, could you just put an extra layer of clothes on and then do the swaddling?

If the blanket is fairly secure and down low, it shouldn't end up anywhere near her head.

Edited to remove suggestion that you wrap her in a blanket. I checked the SIDS guidelines and you shouldn't do that in case bubs overheats.

Unless it is really cold where you are, I would think she'd be ok in comfortable clothing and a light wrap.

This post has been edited by notjustyet: 28/12/2012, 11:35 PM

[Missmarymack]

Unfortunately when she wriggles she turns herself sideways. It was 12 degrees here overnight, and we are staying in an old cottage with no heating. I put her in a singlet, short onesie and leggings. Then swaddled with the muslin and popped a blanket over her, up to her waist only, and then made sure I checked on her regularly!

I just don't understand this portacot! I don't even know how you are supposed to get a sheet to stay in it as the mattress fits in a pocket underneath so there is no way of tucking anything in.

[elmo_mum]

some portacots have a "bassinette" insert.....

would have thought to use that!!!

can you but a sleeping bag?

[doctorseuss]

I have the same portacot. You don't need to put the mattress into the slot underneath the lining, it fits just fine on top. Then you can wrap a thinnish blanket all the way under the mattress. It will need to go under the baby too to be weighed down. If you have a muslin with you I would wrap that around her so its more secure.

The slot for the mattress was created for UK regulations and is not need to comply with Aus ones. Must admit I travel with a bigger traditional portacot if I'm going by car and space is not a premium.... But Amin holidays now, flew by plane and we have our Phil & Teds!

[Missmarymack]

Why are you using two blankets in summer?

I only wrapped DS, I never put anything over the top of the swaddle until he was over a year old.

As I said previously, it was 12 degrees here overnight. I'd say that's cold enough for a blanket

I have the same portacot. You don't need to put the mattress into the slot underneath the lining, it fits just fine on top. Then you can wrap a thinnish blanket all the way under the mattress. It will need to go under the baby too to be weighed down. If you have a muslin with you I would wrap that around her so its more secure.

The slot for the mattress was created for UK regulations and is not need to comply with Aus ones. Must admit I travel with a bigger traditional portacot if I'm going by car and space is not a premium.... But Amin holidays now, flew by plane and we have our Phil & Teds!

Thankyou! That makes more sense. I shall pull out the mattress today and give it another go. Thanks so much