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The big sleep questions answered!
Understanding safe sleeping will help to reduce the risk of cot death, also known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.
There are many sleep aids like nests and pillows, but guidance tells us these are not safe to use. If you’re unsure about something that’s been recommended to you, please speak with your midwife or health visitor.
Fundamentals of safe sleeping
There are 3 main principles to safe sleeping:
- Sleeping position
- Surroundings
- Temperature
Position your baby on their back to sleep. Their feet should be at the foot of the cot so they cannot wriggle down under the covers and overheat.
Make sure their sleeping space is clear of toys and bumpers.
The room temperature should be kept between 16 and 20 degrees where possible. Lighter bedding is recommended in hotter months – you can use baby blankets with small, regular holes in the pattern to keep them cool. In colder months, no hats, duvets, or cot bumpers should be used indoors, especially whilst your baby is sleeping as this can prevent the air from circulating around them. It’s also important to think about where your baby’s cot is positioned – not next to any extremes of temperature such as an open window or radiator.
Safe Sleeping
Position
Position your baby on their back to sleep. Their feet should be at the foot of the cot so they cannot wiggle down under the covers and overheat.
Surroundings
Make sure their sleeping space is clear of toys and cot bumpers. Keeping your baby smoke free before and after birth is highly recommended as it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) also known as cot death.
Temperature
The room temperature should be kept between 16-20 degress Celsius where possible. In hotter months lighter bedding is recommended. In colder months, no hats, duvets, or cot bumpers should be used indoors. It’s also important to think about where your baby’s cot is positioned – not next to any extremes of temperature such as an open window or radiator.
How to practice safe co-sleeping
- Keep your bed clear of pets and other children.
- Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby.
- Ensure they cannot get trapped in or fall out of the bed.
Safe co-sleeping
Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby or any other items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat.
Neaver leave your baby unattended in an adult bed.
Make sure that baby can’t fall out of bed or be trapped or wedged between bedding or the mattress and the wall.
To reduce the risk of accidents. Do not bring other children or pets into bed with you.
Follow all The Lullaby Trust’s other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as sleeping baby on their back.
Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. This dramatically increases the chance of SIDS. If you feel you may fall asleep with your baby please do this in your bed safely.
Bed-sharing is not recommended if anyone in the bed:
- has recently drunk alcohol
- smokes
- is on medications that make them sleepy
Bed-sharing is not advised if your baby was born prematurely or weighed less than 2.5kg at birth.
As you and your baby get to know each other you’ll find out what works for you. The maternity and health visiting team are there to help and support you and your family.
If you ever have any concerns, please contact your local maternity unit on the numbers provided or call NHS 111 for advice.
More information can be found on:
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/screening-tests-for-you-and-your-baby
- The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep for babies, Support for families
- Baby Friendly Resources – Baby Friendly Initiative (unicef.org.uk)
- BASIS – Baby Sleep Information Source (basisonline.org.uk)
- Support For Crying And Sleepless Babies | Cry-sis