Safer Sleep For Babies

This Safer Sleep For Babies advice from BeWellBwD aims to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as “cot death”. All parents and caregivers should follow these simple steps whenever they are putting a baby to sleep, even during the day.

6 Steps to Safer Sleep for Babies

Keep baby away from smoke – if you or someone in the home smokes, always do it outdoors and change your clothes and wash your hands before going near the baby
Put baby in their own crib, cot or Moses basket to sleep – it should have a firm, flat mattress that correctly fits the crib. Babies should always sleep in the same room as their parents/caregiver
Never fall asleep with baby after drinking, taking drugs or medications that make you drowsy
Baby should sleep on their back with feet to the foot of the cot – there should never be pillows, teddies or bumpers in the cot/crib
Baby’s head and face should be uncovered, and they shouldn’t get too hot. The room should be 16-20 degrees Celsius
Breastfeed your baby. Visit our page here for support available.

Further guidance is available on the Lancashire Safeguarding website

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Safer Sleep For Babies in Winter

In colder months, it may be tempting to wrap your baby up to keep them warm, but this can increase the risk of overheating and the chances of SIDS. These are the things to consider in colder months to keep your baby safe when they are sleeping:

Use layers rather than thick duvets. If baby is cold, add a layer of clothing or blanket
Firmly tuck blankets and sheets into the sides and bottom of the crib so that blankets cannot come looser and cover baby’s head
Do not add extra layers on top of a baby sleeping bag. Always follow manufacturers guidelines when using baby sleeping bags
Do not use a hat or hood when baby is indoors
Do not place baby’s cot next to a radiator or have a heat source aimed at the cot
Do not use hot water bottles in baby’s sleep space
If baby feels clammy or sweaty, they are too hot, so remove a layer of clothing or bedding

For more safer sleep guidance, visit the Lullaby Trust website.

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