Sweet Dreams

New parents almost always have concerns, worries and questions about safe sleep for babies. Of course, you want to make sure that your baby is safe.

The best sleeping advice can protect your baby and reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome, also known as cot death), so every parent should be aware of it.

The safest place to put your baby for naps or at night is in their own cot, in your room, until he or she is six months old.

How to keep your baby safe while they sleep

Sleeping Positions That Work

  • Placing your baby on their back with their feet at the bottom of the cot is the best position to help ensure safe sleep for babies
  • Whenever your baby sleeps, their head must always be uncovered and no blankets should be placed above their shoulders. 
  • SIDS can be reduced by breastfeeding your baby. 
  • Smoking is not allowed in your house under any circumstances. 
  • Do not let your baby sleep with you if you or your partner are very tired, drink alcohol, smoke, or have taken any kind of drug. 
  • In case of low birth weight or birth before 37 weeks, don’t take your baby into your bed. 
  • Keep your baby from falling asleep while you are holding it. 
  • If your child sleeps with soft toys in his cot, remove them. 
  • A secondhand mattress could cause SIDS, so be sure to buy a new one if you buy a secondhand cot. Make sure the mattress is firm and flat, and that its cover is waterproof; it should fit into the cot snugly. 
  • Invest in a cot bumper instead of a duvet. Places like, Foryourlittleone are great places to start shopping. With that said though, there is also a lot of contradicting research out there surrounding the safety of some cot bumpers. So, make sure you do your research first and find the safest one for your little one.
  • Before using a baby pillow, you should research whether it is safe. 
  • A temperature of around 18C is ideal for your baby’s room. 
  • Don’t place the cot next to a radiator or in direct sunlight, as this could lead to overheating. 

Your Baby and Your Room 

For at least the first six months of your baby’s life, you should have them in their own cot, but in the same room as you.

When a child reaches this age, it is okay for them to go in their own room. However, to prevent them from rolling over, you should use a baby sleeping bag.

If you or your partner have drunk alcohol or taken medication to may make your sleep heavier you should co-sleep with your baby. 

CHECK OUT THIS POST FOR WHEN TO MOVE YOUR BABIE TO A TODDLER BED

When Can Children Use Pillows?

When your child is under the age of one, you shouldn’t use a duvet or a pillow. The risk of suffocation is higher in this situation.

In order to prevent your babies from getting too cold or too hot, consider using a baby sleeping pod before the age of one.

An increase in SIDS risk can also be caused by overheating. Be aware of the following when your baby gets too warm: 

  • Make sure your baby isn’t too hot whenever you check on them. Take away some bedding if their stomach feels hot, or if they are sweating. Hands and feet developing a chill are totally normal. 
  • A layer of several lightweight blankets can easily be used to regulate the temperature. One can be added or removed as required. Stacking one is equivalent to two layers. 
  • You may want to consider a lightweight sleeping bag that fits snugly. 
  • The room doesn’t have to be hot for you to work in it. It’s, therefore, unnecessary to have all-night heating in the room. Keep it between 18C and 20C. 
  • There is a possibility that if it is really warm your baby won’t need any bedclothes. 
  • The winter doesn’t mean that your baby needs extra clothing or layers if he or she is sick or feverish. 

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