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 around safer sleep for babies is available on the Lancashire Safeguarding website
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 your 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.
Safer Sleep in Emergency Situations
The Lullaby Trust also has guidance on safer sleep in emergency situations or when baby is away from home by using ABC:
- Always sleep your baby..
- ..on their back…
- ..in a clear cot or sleep space.
The full guidance is available on their website.
Start Well With Be Well BwD
Be Well BwD is Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Public Health website. We showcase the range of health and wellbeing services available for the residents of Blackburn with Darwen. This includes Start Well, Live Well and Age Well services.
