Safe Sleeping is an extremely important element of caring for your baby.
There are so many places you can go to gain support on this and this blog will explore some of the organisations that can support and advise as well as provide tips on how to keep your baby safe during each sleep period.
Getting to know your baby is one of the most exciting and rewarding things in life. It’s the beginning of a new relationship and a new chapter of your life.Babies spend a large amount of time sleeping in their first few months and so its vital they do this as safely as possible. All sleep periods, not just at night should follow the following advice or guidance. Remember – in those first few months you too will be tired.
Always place your baby to sleep on their back
Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth
Breastfeed your baby if you can
Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months
Use a firm, flat waterproof mattress in good condition
Why is it so important that my baby sleeps safely?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby where no cause is found. This is very rare but it does happenAlthough we don’t yet know how to completely prevent SIDS, it is possible to significantly lower the chances of it happening. You can talk to your health visitor, midwife or the lullaby trust for further information. Their website provides key information to support parents to be and parents www.lullabytrust.org.uk
Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby
Don’t sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke, drink take drugs or are extremely tired.
Don’t sleep with your baby if your baby was born prematurely or was of a low birthweight.
Avoid letting your baby get too hot
Don’t cover your baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding.
Feet to Foot Position
Always place your baby to sleep on their back in the feet to foot position. This means their feet are touching the bottom of the cot or Moses basket. This reduces the risk of baby wriggling down the cot under blankets and covering their face.
Consider using gro bags instead of blankets.
If your baby rolls onto their tummy you should turn them onto their back again.
Once your baby can roll from back to front and back again on their own they can be left to find their own position
Room Temperature
- It is important your baby is a comfortable temperature
- The chances of SIDS is increased in babies who get too hot.
- Babies do not need hats on in the house
- A room temperature of 16-20 degrees with light bedding or a lightweight well fitting baby sleeping bag is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.
- Advice on room temperature is a guide only as every baby is different.
- Never use hands and feet as a guide for babies temperature as they will always be colder. Use the ack of the neck or chest to check babies temperature and adjust clothing or bedding as necessary.
If your baby is hot remove a layer of bedclothes and remember – babies who are ill need fewer not more bedclothes
For more information please visit the Lullaby Trust, ask your health visitor or midwife or join our antenatal group via Facebook
We can’t wait to support you on your pregnancy journey
Beautiful New Beginnings
