Safe Sleep Guide

Safe Sleep Guide

In the UK, the safe sleep guidelines for babies are similar to those recommended globally, but are provided by the NHS and the Lullaby Trust, two key organisations that support safe sleep practices. Here's a UK-specific guide for safe sleep:

1. Always Place Baby on Their Back to Sleep

  • Back to sleep: Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, whether it's nap time or overnight sleep. This reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  • Avoid tummy or side sleeping: Babies should never be placed on their tummy or side for sleep.

2. Use a Firm Mattress in a Cot or Moses Basket

  • Ensure your baby sleeps on a firm mattress in a cot or Moses basket that fits the bed frame properly.
  • The mattress should be flat and firm—avoid soft mattresses or other soft surfaces like sofas, as they increase the risk of suffocation.

3. Keep Baby’s Sleep Area Clear of Soft Items

  • The sleep environment should be free of pillows, quilts, duvets, bumper pads, or stuffed toys. These can obstruct baby’s breathing and increase the risk of suffocation.
  • Use a fitted sheet on the mattress, but avoid using blankets or quilts. A safe alternative is a baby sleeping bag (with appropriate tog rating) or swaddling.

4. Room-sharing is Recommended

  • Babies should sleep in the same room as you for the first 6 months (but not in the same bed).
  • A crib or Moses basket placed near your bed allows you to monitor your baby easily and respond quickly if needed, reducing the risk of SIDS.

5. Keep Baby’s Sleep Area at a Safe Temperature

  • Make sure the baby’s room is at a comfortable temperature, ideally between 16-20°C (61-68°F).
  • Check your baby’s temperature by feeling their neck or back. They should not be too hot or too cold.
  • Dress your baby in layers, like a sleep suit or a sleeping bag appropriate for the temperature, and avoid over-bundling with blankets.

6. Breastfeeding is Recommended

  • If possible, breastfeed your baby as it has been shown to lower the risk of SIDS.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is recommended by the NHS.

7. Use a Pacifier (Sucking a Pacifier)

  • Offering a pacifier (dummy) during naps and bedtime can reduce the risk of SIDS. If your baby doesn’t take it, don't force it, and don't put it back in once they fall asleep.
  • Avoid attaching the pacifier to the baby’s clothing with a string, as this can be a strangulation hazard.

8. Avoid Smoking Around Your Baby

  • No smoking during pregnancy and no smoking around your baby. Babies exposed to second hand smoke have a higher risk of SIDS.
  • Smoking in the household or during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of SIDS, so both parents and caregivers must avoid smoking around the baby.

9. Don’t Co-Sleep (Bed-sharing)

  • Babies should never sleep in the same bed as adults (known as bed-sharing). This can increase the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and overheating.
  • If you need to feed or comfort your baby during the night, it's safest to do so while seated in a chair or on a separate surface.

10. Tummy Time During the Day

  • Give your baby plenty of supervised tummy time during the day when they are awake. This helps them develop the muscles they need for rolling, crawling, and sitting.
  • Avoid tummy time during sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.

11. Safe Sleeping for Babies in Car Seats and Buggies

  • Babies should never be left to sleep in car seats, buggies, or swings for long periods because the position can restrict their breathing. If your baby falls asleep in one of these, it’s important to move them to a safe sleep surface as soon as possible.

12. Ensure That All Caregivers Follow Safe Sleep Practices

  • Share safe sleep guidelines with anyone who is looking after your baby, including relatives, babysitters, and childminders, so they can follow the same principles.

13. Avoid Using Sleep Positioners and Wedges

  • Do not use sleep positioners or wedges in the crib or cot. These are not recommended, as they pose a suffocation risk.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your baby has a safer sleep environment and reduce the risk of SIDS. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby's sleep, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider or consult the NHS or Lullaby Trust resources for more support

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