The Lullaby Trust tells us that each year around 200 babies will die unexpectedly before their first birthday. Many of these deaths are classified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death, which usually happens when babies are sleeping. Follow the tips for safer sleep below to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Six Steps to Safer Sleeping for Babies
- Always protect your baby from cigarette smoke during pregnancy and after birth. If you or your partner smokes, never share a bed with your baby. This can increase the risk of death for your baby.
- Give your baby a clear, flat, separate sleep space, in the same room as you, such as a cot or Moses basket. Never fall asleep with baby on a sofa or chair; this can increase the risk of death by 50%.
- Never fall asleep with baby after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, including medications that may make you drowsy.
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back with their feet to the foot of the cot or Moses basket.
- Keep baby’s head and face uncovered and make sure they don’t get too hot. The room they sleep in should be between 16-20°c.
- Breastfeed your baby. If you need help with breastfeeding, talk to a health professional or contact your local family hub.
Babies should sleep in the same room as the adult who is caring for them for the first six months of life during the day and night.
Additional Tips for safer sleep:
- Smoking:
- Quitting smoking is crucial for your health and your baby’s. For help quitting, speak to your midwife, GP, health visitor or pharmacy.
- E-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking but keep them away from your baby. More research is need to understand the long-term impact.
- Temperature:
- Check if your baby is too warm by feeling their chest. If they feel hot or clammy, remove a layer of bedding/clothing if necessary.
- Babies should not wear hats for sleep as it increases the risk of them overheating.
- Do not use pillows or duvets if baby is under 12 months as this can increase overheating.
- Bed Sharing:
- If you choose to bed-share, follow the advice in this booklet to do it safely.
- Never share a bed if you or your partner smokes, has consumed alcohol, or taken drugs (including medication that makes you drowsy).
- Never share a bed if your baby was born prematurely (37 weeks or less) or was born with a low birth weight (2.5kg/5.5lbs or less).
- Twins and Multiples:
- Co-bedding may work initially, but separate cots are recommended as babies grow, especially when they begin to roll over.
- Ensure they have space between them and do not use cot separators.
- Breastfeeding Benefits:
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS. Support is available from you health visitor, midwife or local family hub.
- If you decide to bed-share for breastfeeding, follow safe bed-sharing practices.
- Toddlers:
- Ensure a safe sleep environment as your child grows. Transition to a bed around age 2.
- Keep the bed free from toys, especially those that are battery-operated.
Further information
For more information, visit the Safer Sleep Page here or contact your local family hub. There are lots of helpful resources in different languages available here.
The Lullaby Trust has more information to keep your baby safe. This includes advice around safe sleep products, preventing infections and what to expect as a parent. Bereavement support is also available through the Lullaby Trust.
ICON
A baby’s cry can be upsetting and frustrating. It is designed to get your attention and you may be worried that something is wrong with your baby. Follow the tips below to help when baby’s crying is overwhelming and remember, never ever shake or hurt a baby.
Infant crying is normal and it will stop
Comfort methods can sometimes soothe baby and crying will stop
Its Ok to walk away if you have checked baby is safe and the crying is getting to you
Never, ever shake or hurt a baby
More help is available on the ICON website but you can also speak to your midwife, health visitor, GP or local family hubs for support,.
