Safer Sleep Week is an annual awareness campaign dedicated to reducing the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promoting safe sleep practices for babies.
Ensuring a safe sleep environment for infants is vital, and small changes can make a significant difference in keeping babies protected.
Key Tips for Safer Sleep
To help parents and caregivers create the safest possible sleeping environment, consider the following guidance:
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Always place babies on their back to sleep – This is the safest position for a baby to sleep and significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.
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Keep the sleep space clear – Babies should sleep in a clear, clutter-free space. Avoid pillows, duvets, soft toys, and cot bumpers, as these can pose suffocation risks.
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Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress – Ensure that the baby sleeps on a firm and flat mattress in a cot or Moses basket with a waterproof cover. Soft surfaces can increase the risk of suffocation.
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Share a room, not a bed – It is safest for babies to sleep in their own cot or Moses basket in the same room as parents for at least the first six months.
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Keep baby’s head uncovered – Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot to prevent them from wriggling under blankets. Use lightweight blankets tucked in firmly or a well-fitted baby sleeping bag.
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Avoid smoking around babies – Smoking during pregnancy and after birth increases the risk of SIDS. Keeping a smoke-free environment is essential for your baby’s health.
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Control room temperature – The ideal room temperature for a baby to sleep in is between 16-20°C. Avoid overheating by dressing your baby appropriately for the room conditions.
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Avoid sleeping on sofas or armchairs with babies – Falling asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair can be very dangerous, significantly increasing the risk of SIDS.
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Breastfeed if possible – Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of SIDS. Even partial breastfeeding can provide protective benefits.
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Avoid smoking, drugs, and certain medications – Smoking during pregnancy and after birth increases the risk of SIDS. Additionally, parents and caregivers should avoid taking drugs or medications that cause drowsiness, as these can impair awareness and increase the risk of unsafe sleep situations.
Raising Awareness
Safer Sleep Week aims to equip parents, carers, and healthcare professionals with life-saving information.
By following these safe sleep guidelines, families can help create a secure sleeping environment and reduce the risk of harm to babies.
For more information and further advice and support, visit the Lullaby Trust website or speak to your midwife or health visitor.
