A lot of parents worry about their baby’s sleep, both to make sure they’re getting enough for healthy brain development and to avoid the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby, that usually happens in their sleep.
Researching SIDS can frighten many parents, but try to keep in that it is very rare, and the risk is low. There are also plenty of things that you can do to significantly reduce the risk even further.
It’s safest for your baby to sleep in their own cot, in the same as you, whether at night or during naps, until they are six months old.
Your baby should always sleep on their back, in a cot or other sleep space that is clear of anything like bumpers, toys, or pillows.
If Your Baby Was Premature
Premature babies are unfortunately at a higher risk of SIDS, so it is even more important to follow safe sleep advice. This is most important for babies born before 37 weeks, or with a birth weight of less than 2.5kg. Most twins and triplets are born early, so this advice should also be applied to them.
Some babies who were born very prematurely and have spent time in a neonatal unit may have been put to sleep on their fronts for medical purposes but would have been constantly monitored. These babies may then find it more difficult to get used to a new sleeping position on their back, to begin with. However, you need to keep putting your baby onto their back to sleep to keep them safe. They will get used to it.
Don’t put your baby on their front to sleep, and don’t use anything like equipment or rolled-up blankets to keep them in one position, unless your doctor or pediatrician tells you to do so due to a medical condition.
If your baby needs to be given oxygen once you bring them, they should still sleep on the backs. You might be told to increase the amount of oxygen you give them if they sleep on their back rather than their front, but it is still the safest position for them to sleep in.
Dos for Safer Sleep
- Always put your baby on their back to sleep, never on their front or side.
- Keep your baby away from smoke during your pregnancy and after the birth.
- Put your baby in their own cot or Moses backset to sleep, in the same as you, for the first six months.
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress, in good condition.
- Leave your baby’s head uncovered. If you give them a blanket, it should not be tucked in higher than their shoulders.
- Place your baby in the feet-to-foot position, with their feet at the end of their cot or Moses basket.
Breastfeeding can also help to protect your baby. Breastfeeding for two or more months halves the risk of SIDS. The longer you can carry on, the more protection you can give your baby. However, breastfeeding doesn’t come easily to every mother or every baby. If you’re finding it hard, there is help and support available.
Do Nots For Safer Sleep
- Never fall asleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby.
- Don’t sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke, drink, or have taken any drugs or medications that make you drowsy, if you are very tired, if your baby was born before 37 weeks, or had a birth weight of under 2.5kg.
- Don’t let your baby get too hot or too cold. Check their temperature by feeling the chest, stomach, or back of the neck. It’s normal for your baby’s hands and feet to feel cooler.
- Don’t cover your baby’s face or head while they are sleeping, or use any loose bedding.
- Take out any pillows, soft bedding, cot bumpers, and soft toys from the cot while your baby is sleeping.
- Don’t smoke during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and never let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
Common Questions About Safer Sleep
What Do I Need To Buy For My Baby?
You don’t need to buy a lot of expensive products to help your baby to sleep safely. All you need is a few basic items:
- A cot or a Moses basket
- A waterproof, clean mattress, new if possible
- A baby sleeping bag, or sheets and a blanket
- A room thermometer
If you do choose to use a baby sleeping bag, you need to make sure that it fits well around your baby’s shoulders. A good fit ensures that your baby’s head cannot slip down into the bag. Double-check that your baby has reached the minimum height and weight for each sized bag as they get older, as some babies are naturally smaller than others. Go by size, not age, when choosing a sleeping bag. Don’t use any other coverings with the sleeping bag, such as a blanket.
Can I Swaddle My Baby?
Some parents choose to swaddle their babies. If you decide to do this, it is very important to follow the proper advice, whether you’re swaddling for day or night-time sleeping.
- Always use thin cotton materials to swaddle
- Don’t swaddle above your baby’s shoulders
- Don’t swaddle too tight. Your baby needs to be able to move their legs, in order for their hips to develop healthily
- Check your baby’s temperature to make sure they are not getting too hot while they are swaddled.
What Happens If My Baby Turns On Their Side During Their Sleep?
It’s natural to worry about your baby rolling over in crib. The best way to stop them from doing this and make sure they sleep on their backs is to put them on their backs to sleep from day one. It’s also important to keep the same nighttime routine for your baby. Babies that sometimes sleep on their front are at greater risk of SIDS.
Parents often worry when their baby learns to roll over and starts to find comfortable ways to sleep on the side or front. Once your baby is able to move by themselves from their back to their front and back again, they are able to find their own sleeping position. The first few times you notice that they have rolled onto their tummy during the night, it might be a good idea to gently roll them back onto their back, but don’t worry that you will have to stay up all night to check on them and do this.
Can I Use A Baby Sling Or Carrier?
If you use a baby sling carrier, be aware of the safety guidelines. Find one that supports your baby’s developing spine, neck, and hips. Your baby’s weight should be evenly distributed across your back, shoulders, and hips. Make sure you can see your baby, and that they are held tightly against your body, but have their chin free to allow for easy breathing.
Can I Use A Sleep Positioner, Nest or Pod?
Pods and nests are a softer sleep surface, with raised or cushioned areas. They are used as well as or instead of a mattress. Remember that when your baby is asleep, they should not lie on anything or have anything too soft around them, especially around their heads. This can cause overheating, and increase the risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby’s cot is clear of any obstructions while they are sleeping. A proper mattress is the best choice.
One reply on “Safe Sleep Tips For Your Baby”
Really helpful guideline to choose right one for litter one.