Sleep Safe Tips

Putting your baby down to sleep

 To keep your baby safe and to reduce the risks of sudden infant death (sometimes called cot death) always make sure:

• You put the baby down on their back to sleep, never on their front or side
• The cot is beside the parents’ bed for at least the first six months
• The mattress is firm and flat – waterbeds, bean bags and sagging mattresses are not suitable
• Your baby is not overdressed or covered with too much bedding (no more than you would use yourself)
• The bedding must not be able to cover the baby’s head
• The room is not too hot – 16-20 degrees Celsius is ideal
• The room in which the baby sleeps is a smoke-free zone.
• Do not sleep with your baby if you have been drinking.
• Do not sleep with your baby if you have been taking drugs prescription or otherwise, that affect perception, cause drowsiness or affect depth of sleep
• Co-sleeping should also be avoided if the baby has a fever or any signs of illness.
• Sleeping with a baby on a sofa or other soft surface should also be avoided.

Sources of information and advice

Foundation for Sudden Infant Deaths
www.fsid.org.uk

The Baby Friendly Initiative
www.unicef.org.uk/BabyFriendly/Parents/Resources/Resources-for-parents/Sharing-a-Bed-With-Your-Baby/

National Breastfeeding Helpline
www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk

NHS Breastfeeding information - Information on breastfeeding from the NHS.
www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk