advertisement

Safer sleep for baby

Each year around 200 babies will die unexpectedly before their first birthday. Many of these deaths are classified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death, which usually happens when babies are sleeping.

No-one wants to think about this happening to their baby and we don’t want you to spend this special time worrying.

We know that every baby is different and if you have any questions or worries, please speak to a health professional or contact your local family hub.

Do you know your six steps?

  1. Always protect your baby from cigarette smoke during pregnancy and after birth. If you or your partner smokes, never share a bed with your baby. This can increase the risk of death for your baby.
  2. Give your baby a clear, flat, separate sleep space, in the same room as you, such as a cot or Moses basket. Never fall asleep with baby on a sofa or chair; this can increase the risk of death by 50%.
  3. Never fall asleep with baby after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, including medications that may make you drowsy.
  4. Always put your baby to sleep on their back with their feet to the foot of the cot or Moses basket.
  5. Keep baby’s head and face uncovered and make sure they don’t get too hot. The room they sleep in should be between 16-20°c.
  6. Breastfeed your baby. If you need help with breastfeeding, talk to a health professional or contact your local family hub.

Your baby should sleep in the same room as you, both day and night, for the first six months.

Sleeping away from home? 

If your baby is going to be sleeping somewhere different for the first time, whether this is on holiday or at a baby sitters, it's important that whoever is looking after them follows the safer sleep advice.

Plan ahead 

Before you go away there are a few extra things you should think about. See how you can get prepared.

Practical tips

For more support and practical tips to help you follow the six steps see:

Feeding your baby
Smoking
What should my baby sleep in?
Bed sharing
Tips

Getting the right information from professionals will help you keep your baby safe.

If you need to talk anything through, you can speak to your:

Little Lullaby (external link) provide advice especially for young parents.

Professionals

If you work with parents of young children, we have information to help you support the safer sleep for baby campaign (external link).