Safer Sleep Tips

Getting ready for a new baby can be an overwhelming experience. Here are some safer sleep tips to help create the right environment for your little one:

⭐️ Whether you’re using a Moses basket, next to me or cot always use a firm, flat sleep surface. Avoid any soft bedding, pillows or cuddly toys which can be suffocation hazards. Keep the sleep space clear.

⭐️The recommended room temperature for babies is 16-20°C. Baby sleep bags are a great way to ensure baby is dressed for the temperature and don’t come loose. They will have guidance on what tog to use for what temperature.

A room thermometer is useful to judge the temperature in the room (lots of baby monitors come with a temperature function as well). Keeping the sleep space clear helps keep baby from overheating too.

⭐️Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is rare but safer sleep practices can help reduce the risk.

Placing your baby to sleep on their back for sleep significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. Babies are born with reflexes that help protect their airways.

Sleeping in the same room as your baby for the first 6 months also helps reduce the risk of SIDS.

Follow @lullabytrust for the latest sleep guidelines.

⭐️Both you and your partner should try not to smoke during pregnancy and after birth and you should try and keep your baby out of smoky areas.

Do not share a bed with your baby if either of you smoke or your baby was exposed to smoking in pregnancy.

If you need help to stop smoking, try the NHS Smoking helpline on 0800 0224 332 or visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit/