This week we have chatted all things sleep from naps to sleep tricks. The question is has anyone actually managed to get some Zzzzzs this week? I know I’m in serious need, not due to newborns, but due to everything from Alice falling out of bed to Molly having a poorly cough (all night). What ever amount of sleep your little one is getting you will want to know that they are sleeping not only soundly, but safely.

We are delighted that today we are bringing you a post from amazing Lullaby Trust and The Gro-Company on how to ensure safer sleep for your baby. The Lullaby Trust are the experts in safer sleep and providing support and guidance for families who are dealing with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Together with the Gro-Company they are committed to researching and understanding SIDS and providing you with expert advice on how to keep your baby safe.

I am all too aware that at times it is really hard not to do whatever it takes to get your baby to sleep, believe me, I tried everything with Alice. She ended up sleeping on her tummy as it was the only way she would sleep. You need to do what works for you whilst keeping your little one safe and secure.

SAFER SLEEP

Meeting and getting to know your baby is an extremely exciting and rewarding time. It’s also the beginning of a new relationship. Babies need a lot of sleep during the first few months of their lives so it’s important to ensure that they are sleeping as safely as possible.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby where no cause is found. While SIDS is rare, it can still happen and there are steps parents can take to help reduce the chance of this tragedy occurring.

We are still struggling to understand the mechanisms that cause unexplained deaths in infancy, therefore it is not possible for any manufacturer to say that a particular product will prevent SIDS. It is possible, however, to significantly lower the chances of it happening by following this safer sleep guidance. This advice is based on strong scientific evidence where, unlike many products, safety has been proven. You should try to follow the advice for all sleep periods where possible, not just at night.

Things You Can Do

  • Always place your baby on their back to sleep
  • Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth
  • Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months
  • Breastfeed your baby
  • Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition

    • Things To Avoid

  • Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby
  • Don’t sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke, drink or take drugs or are extremely tired, if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth-weight
  • Avoid letting your baby get too hot
  • Don’t cover your baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding
  • To avoid accidents remove all pillows, soft bedding, cot bumpers and soft toys from the cot

    • Sleep Your Baby On Their Back

    Babies who sleep on their backs are safer and healthier. It is not safe for babies to sleep on their fronts or sides. Babies settle more easily on their backs if they have been placed to sleep that way from the very first day. If your baby is less than six months old and you find him asleep on his tummy, gently turn him onto his back. Don’t feel you need to keep getting up all night to check on this. After this age, babies can usually roll onto their backs themselves so leave him to find his own position. Whatever your baby’s age always place them to sleep on the back. Premature babies are slept on the front in hospital for special medical reasons. If your baby was born prematurely then make sure you keep her safe by sleeping her on the back when you take her home from hospital unless your doctor advises a different sleep position.

    It can be dangerous if your baby’s head gets covered when she sleeps. Place her with her feet to the foot of the cot, with the bedclothes firmly tucked in and no higher than her shoulders, so she can’t wriggle down under the covers. Don’t worry if she wriggles up and gets uncovered. You can also use a baby sleep bag.

    Temperature

    Babies don’t need especially warm rooms.

    All–night heating is rarely necessary. Babies should never sleep next to a radiator or in direct sunlight. To keep an eye on the temperature buy a simple room thermometer.

    To check if your baby is too hot, look for sweating or feel your baby — don’t worry if his hands or feet are cool; that’s normal. If he’s too hot, remove one or more layers of blankets. Babies who are unwell need fewer — not more — bedclothes. Choose lightweight blankets and clothing for sleep.

    Baby Bedding

    If your baby is under one year old:

  • Don’t use a duvet, quilt or pillow
  • Don’t use electric blankets or hot water bottles
  • Use one or more layers of light blankets or use a baby sleep bag
  • If you decide to swaddle your baby, don’t cover her head and only use thin materials. If you use a sheepskin, take it away as soon as your baby starts trying to roll onto her tummy
  • If you use a baby sleep bag, it needs to be without a hood, very lightweight and the right size around the neck so your baby won’t slip down inside the bag. Never use with a duvet.

    • Mattress

    It is very important that your baby’s mattress is kept clean and dry. Ideally you should buy a new mattress for each new baby. If you are not able to do this, use the one you have as long as it was made with a completely waterproof cover (e.g. PVC) and has no tears, cracks or holes. Clean it thoroughly and dry it.

    Check that the mattress:

  • Is in good condition
  • Fits the cot without any gaps
  • Is firm, not soft
  • Doesn’t sag

    •  
    I hope you have found this information useful and I want to thank The Lullaby Trust and Gro-Company for allowing us to share it with you.

    Make sure you are following us on Instagram for today’s fantastic prize from Gro-Company.

    Image by Carrie Lavers.