Safe sleep is something every new and expectant parent should know about. Safe sleep guidelines have helped to dramatically reduce SIDS rates (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or ‘cot death’) so raising awareness of what these guidelines are is of upmost importance. Following the guidelines will give you peace of mind that your little one is as safe as they can possibly be and will allow you to enjoy this special time.

It is advised that until your baby is 6 months old, the safest place for them to sleep is in their own sleep space, in the same room as you. This includes both night sleep and daytime naps. 88% of SIDS deaths happen in babies 6 months or younger so it’s really important that you follow this advice until then and beyond. If your baby was born prematurely or had a low birth weight then the guidelines are especially important as they are more at risk. 

Safe Sleep Guidelines:

• Put your baby to sleep on their back with feet at the foot of their sleep space. This is advised for all sleeps, both day and night as this position can reduce the risk of SIDS by six times compared to putting a baby to sleep on their front. Once your baby can roll from the back to their front and back again by themselves, then it’s fine for them to find their own sleeping position.
• Make sure your baby’s cot is clear. Ensure there is no loose bedding, cuddly toys, pillows or cot bumpers. Babies can easily smother themselves and overheat so a clear cot is essential. If you do decide to use a blanket then ensure the blanket is no higher than baby’s shoulders and is tucked into the mattress well.
• Share a room with your baby. As mentioned above, his can halve the risk of SIDS, particularly if your baby is under 6 months old.
• Keep your baby smoke-free. This includes during pregnancy and after birth. Around 60% of sudden infant deaths could be avoided if the baby was not exposed to smoke either in pregnancy or around the home. This is because smoke deprives a baby of oxygen and alters their breathing. It can also affect heart and brain development and harm their nasal passages.
• Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. Sleeping in these places can seem convenient, especially if you’re sleep deprived but falling asleep on a sofa or in a chair increases the risk of SIDS by 50 times. If you feel yourself dozing off with the baby, get up and put the baby in her own sleep space or read about safe co-sleeping practices (below).
• Do not co-sleep with your baby if… you or your partner has been drinking alcohol, is a smoker, has been taking drugs or is extremely tired. Babies are put at extremely high risk of SIDS if any of these factors occur whilst co-sleeping, The risk of SIDS when co-sleeping is up to six times higher in smokers than in non-smokers.
• Do not put a hat on your baby when they are sleeping. It is often advised that we put a hat on our baby immediately after they are born so they maintain body temperature after leaving the womb, but any longer than this initial period could cause baby to overheat. Healthy, full-term infants don’t need to wear a hat once they are home. Our head is where we lose excess heat so it’s important that nothing is covering baby’s head.  If you are unsure about this, check with your midwife.

Co-sleeping

Bed-sharing or co-sleeping is the act of sharing the parental bed with a baby or child.  This means the child sleeps in the bed for most of the night, not just for comfort or to be fed. Some parents choose to co-sleep and some co-sleep because it is the best way to maximise the quality of their sleep (often for them and their little one).  It is safer to be prepared and co-sleep then accidentally fall asleep somewhere with your baby.

If you are co-sleeping or intend to co-sleep then follow the guidelines below to ensure your baby is as safe as possible:

• Ensure the baby’s bed space is clear.  Keep pillows, blankets, duvets and any other loose bedding away from your baby.  These could smother baby or obstruct their breathing. A high proportion of babies that die from SIDS have had their head covered by loose bedding.  
• Never swaddle a baby if you are co-sleeping.  Use a sleeping bag or separate baby safe bedding.
• Follow all the other safe sleep guidelines (above).
• Avoid letting pets and other children in the bed as this poses increased risk of suffocation.
• Make sure there is no way baby can fall out of the bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall.  

Safer Sleep FAQ’s

Help! My baby keeps rolling onto his tummy then cries and can’t get back!  What shall I do?

Try rolling baby back gently if they are becoming distressed.  It could take them a while to get used to their new skills and potential sleeping position.  Don’t feel like you have to keep getting up all night to check on them if they are sleeping happily.  Make sure baby has lots of tummy time during the day so he becomes more accustomed to being on his belly.

My baby has reflux and wants to sleep on her front.  Is this ok?

All babies should be put to sleep on their back unless you’ve been given medical advice that says something different. Speak to your doctor for further advice.

Should I use a sleep positioner?  I’ve heard babies sleep so much better in one!

There is no need for a sleep positioner to keep baby in position unless you’ve been advised by a medical professional.  It’s safer for your baby to be in a clear cot.

Which bedding should I use for my baby?  I don’t want him to overheat!

It’s important to ensure your baby is a comfortable temperature. Ideally the room should be between 16-20°C. If using bedding it should be lightweight (cellular blankets are good) and if using a sleeping bag you will need to ensure that it is well fitting – baby's head cannot fit through the neck hole when it’s done up. You may need several sleeping bags in different togs. They range from 3 tog to a very thin muslin sleeping bag. Feel your baby's chest or back of their neck; if it is hot and sweaty then it’s best to remove a layer. It’s normal for babies hands and feet to be cooler at night so do not worry about this.  If you need to use a fan in Summer then make sure it’s not directly on baby. 

There are so many mattresses. How do I know which one to buy?

Babies need a firm, flat mattress and it’s best to protect this with a waterproof cover.  It can then be easily wiped down.  There is some research that suggests there is increased chance of SIDS when using a second-hand mattress that is brought from outside the family home so bear this in mind when purchasing your baby’s mattress. 

Can I give my baby a pillow?

Pillow use increases the risk of SIDS up to 2.5 times as this can also cause baby to overheat or they head may become covered. It is advised that no baby under 1 year of age has a pillow but many people prefer to wait longer.

My baby’s limbs keep getting stuck in the bars of the cot.  What can I do?

It is advised that you do not use cot bumpers to stop this from happening (even the mesh ‘breathable’ bumpers).  Cot bumpers are a risk to your baby once they begin to roll and move around in the cot because baby could become entangled in the ties or material. If your baby does keep getting their limbs stuck and is becoming distressed then you will need to quietly go into the room and help them.  It’s frustrating but it’s the safest way and soon they will realise how to untangle themselves.  

For more information about safe sleep for babies, go to the Lullaby Trust website: www.lullabytrust.org.uk or call their advice line on 0808 802 6869.  If you have sadly been affected by the death of a baby or loved one they also offer support and bereavement advice.

I will also be posting lots more information on safer sleep throughout the week on both my Facebook and Instagram pages.

Hope to see you there!