Safe Sleep for Babies
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby where no cause is found. Sadly, around four babies a week still die from SIDS.
What parents and carers can do
- Keep baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth
- Always place baby on their back to sleep
- The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own sleep space. Place baby to sleep in a separate cot or moses basket in the same room as baby’s carer for the first six months
- Use a firm, flat waterproof mattress in good condition
- Breastfeed baby, if possible
Things to avoid
- Never leave a baby to sleep on a sofa or in an armchair (with or without another person)
- Avoid letting baby get too hot. (The ideal room temperature for a baby is between 16-20 degrees centigrade)
- Avoid risk of baby’s face or head becoming covered while sleeping; do not use loose bedding
- Avoid pillows, cushions or beanbags
- Avoid placing cuddly toys in cot/moses basket
- Avoid sleeping in a car seat
Related Videos
Safer Sleep For Babies (2 mins 15 secs)
How to co-sleep more safely (3 mins 19 secs)