From the 3rd to the 9th of June, it's Child Safety Week; Child Accident Prevent Trust’s annual event to make us more aware of everyday situations that are potentially dangerous for our children and how to mitigate the risks.

Today, we're addressing a topic close to every parent's heart: ensuring your baby sleeps safely. Creating a safe sleep environment is crucial for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promoting healthy sleep habits for your little one, so let’s explore what you can do to keep your baby sleeping soundly and as safe as can be.

 

Why Your Baby’s Sleep Routine is So Important

Your baby getting a good night’s sleep is important for many of their growth and developmental reasons (not to mention keeping your own mental and physical health on an even keel!), but also to prevent tragedy from potentially striking.  

Also commonly known as ‘cot death,’ Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of death among infants under one year of age. Around 200 otherwise healthy babies die suddenly in the UK every year, so creating a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related accidents is vital.

 

Techniques for Safe Sleep

As scary as SIDS sounds, there’s plenty of things that you can do to ensure that it never happens. Let’s take a look at them now.

 

1. Back to Sleep

  • Always place your baby on their back to sleep, both for naps and nighttime sleep.
  • Paediatricians recommend the 'Back to Sleep' position, which has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of SIDS.

 

2. Use a Safe and Reliable Cot

  • Choose a cot that meets safety standards and has no missing or broken parts.
  • Puggle cots, like the Henbury cot, and travel cots, such as the Mee-Go 2-in-1 Go-Sleeper cot, feature sturdy construction and safety-tested materials to ensure a secure sleep environment for your baby.

 

3. Avoid Overheating

  • Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing to prevent overheating.
  • Ensure the room temperature is comfortable and avoid covering your baby's head while sleeping.

 

4. Clear Sleep Environment

  • Remove any loose bedding, toys, or other objects from the cot that could pose a suffocation hazard.
  • Keep the cot free from bumpers, pillows, and extra blankets and bedding to reduce the risk of accidental suffocation or entrapment.

 

5. Room-Sharing Without Bed-Sharing

  • Your baby should sleep in the same room as you for the first 6 months, both night and day, but NOT in the same bed.
  • A compact rocking crib is a great option to have downstairs so you can confidently keep an eye on your sleeping baby while you get on with everyday chores.
  • Room-sharing allows for easy monitoring and comforting of your baby while reducing the risk of SIDS associated with bed-sharing.
  • If you’re breastfeeding your baby, it’s also far more convenient to have them sleeping in a cot right next to you.

 

6. Use a Firm Mattress

 

H2 – Safe Sleep Advice for Babies

Safe sleep practices are essential for protecting your baby's well-being and reducing the risk of SIDS. By following guidelines such as placing your baby on their back to sleep, using a safe and reliable cot, and maintaining a clear sleep environment, you can create a safe and nurturing space for your little one to rest peacefully.

We’ve got more invaluable Child Safety Week-related safety tips in our blog, so make sure you read them all!