It’s never too early to start preparing a safe sleep space for your little one’s arrival.
Whether you plan to room share, co-sleep, or don’t have a clue, this page will help you create a safer sleep environment from the moment you bring your baby home.
Following safer sleep guidelines will help keep your baby safe and well and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, formerly known as cot death). We know it’s a hard thing to think about, and thankfully it’s rare, but it’s good to be aware of it because it can still happen and getting into a safer sleep routine will reduce the risk. The steps below will show you how.
Where will my baby sleep?
- Your baby should sleep in the same room as you. The safest place for baby to sleep is in the same room as you for at least the first six months, for all sleeps, day and night. You can still pop out to go to the loo, but for the most part, they’re safest when you’re nearby.
- Put them in their own sleep space. Your baby is safest in the same room as you, but not the same bed. Place them to sleep on their back, in their own sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket.
- Keep them away from radiators and direct sunlight. When choosing where to put the cot or Moses basket, keep them away from radiators and direct sunlight to stop them overheating. Getting too hot can put your babies at an increased risk of SIDS.
- Make sure the room is smoke free. If you or anybody else in the house smokes, consider quitting or changing your smoking habits. Research has shown that if you or your partner smoke during or after pregnancy, the risk of SIDS increases.
- If you share a bed with your baby, this is called bed sharing or co-sleeping. The safest space for your baby to sleep is in their own cot or Moses basket. But if you choose to co-sleep, make your bed safer by clearing a space for baby. Keep adult bedding away from them, so their faces don’t get covered and they are less likely to overheat.
- Never co-sleep on a sofa or armchair. This isn’t safe for the baby. If you feel like you’re going to fall asleep, place the baby on their own flat surface first.
What will my baby need for sleeping?
The number of products on the market can be overwhelming, but you don’t need to buy lots of expensive things for your baby. There are just a few essentials your baby needs.
- Cot or Moses basket. All babies should have their own separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket with a firm, flat surface to sleep on.
- Portable sleep space. If you don’t have space for a cot, or you want something you can easily move between rooms, a portable sleep space such as a Moses basket, carry cot or travel cot is a handy purchase. If you buy a carry cot, check that it’s suitable for sleeping in overnight.
- Mattress. The mattress needs to be firm, flat, and waterproof. The surface of the mattress should be firm enough that when your baby is placed on it, their head doesn’t sink in more than a few millimetres. Make sure the mattress fits the cot or Moses basket well, and avoid any soft or raised sides or cot bumpers.
- Bedding. All your baby needs to sleep in is a sheet or blanket, firmly tucked in no higher than their shoulders, or a baby sleep bag.
- Room thermometer. The ideal temperature of a baby’s room should be 16 – 20° C. A room thermometer will be helpful in keeping an eye on how hot or cold your baby’s room is. You can purchase one on our online shop.
- Car seat. Car seats are essential for safety when travelling, but babies should not sleep in a car seat for long periods of time. Car seats should not be used as sleep spaces when not travelling.
Things to avoid
Unfortunately, not all products meet safer sleep guidelines. We recommend you avoid the following:
– Pods or nests
– Pillows, duvets or thick heavy bedding
– Cot bumpers
– Hammocks
– Sleep positioners.
What about car seats?
Car seats are essential for travelling safely, but don’t use them as a sleep space for long periods. Use a mirror to keep an eye on them while you drive and stop and take them out of their seat for breaks on longer drives. If they fall asleep, take them out as soon as you get to your destination and place them in their own firm, flat sleep space. Car seats should not be used as sleep spaces when not travelling.
Shopping second-hand
Shopping for a baby can be expensive, so don’t forget that second-hand products can be a good option. Whether you’re gifted these items or you’re shopping online, there’s a few things to be aware of:
- Get a hold of the product’s instructions from the manufacturer. You can usually download them from their website.
- Make sure the product meets the relevant British Safety Standard.
- Make sure it’s good condition with no broken parts.
- If you’re looking for a second-hand mattress, make sure it has no rips or tears, is still firm and flat, and it fits your baby’s cot or other sleep space well. Check that it’s been stored in a clean, dry and smoke-free place, and has always been protected by a waterproof cover.
- Do not use second-hand car seats. You might not be able to tell if it’s been in an accident as damage is not always visible. Even wear and tear can affect its ability to protect your baby.
Follow the ABCs of safer sleep
Always sleep your baby on their back in a clear cot or sleeping space.
How should my baby sleep?
- In the feet to foot position
Place baby on their back, with their feet right at the foot of their cot or Moses basket, so they can’t wriggle down under their bedding.
- With tucked in sheet or blanket
Tuck their sheets or blankets in firmly, and make sure they’re not above shoulder height. Or go for a baby sleep bag.
- At a comfortable temperature
Make sure your baby’s room is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold – ideally between 16 -20°c. Use a thermometer to help you.
How will I sleep?
Having a new baby means you won’t be getting as much sleep as you’re used to. Lack of sleep in the early days can be really tough, but it won’t last forever and things will improve so hang in there.
New babies wake around every two hours to feed. As they grow they will go for longer stretches. Every baby is different so it won’t help to compare yourself to others.
As tempting as it might be to try anything to get your baby to sleep for longer, it’s really important to follow the ABCs of safer sleep for every sleep. Routine is key, and doing things differently, like sleeping your baby on their front, can even increase the risk of SIDS. Always sleep your baby on their back in a clear cot or sleep space.
Remember
Preparing for your baby’s arrival, you might find lots of mixed advice both online and offline. But creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most important steps you can take as a parent for your baby’s safety. By following these simple guidelines that have been written by experts following years of research, you’re giving your little one the best start for restful, safer sleep.
Every baby safe. Every family supported.
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