Safe Sleeping

Being a new parent is an exciting and challenging time.

It is normal for your baby to wake several times at night for a feed.

NEVER FALL ASLEEP ON A SOFA WITH YOUR BABY AS THIS IS 10 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO RESULT IN COT DEATH

If your circumstances change in anyway please review the above safe sleeping advice.

Speak to your midwife/ health visitor if you have any concerns about bed sharing and look for the pathway in your parent child health records (red book)

The advice is relevant for all sleeping periods not just night time sleep

Babies need just a few basic items for sleep: a firm flat surface and some bedding. New parents now have a massive range of baby products to choose from and it can be really confusing to know what is needed. The advice is simple: the safest cot is a clear cot.

There is evidence to suggest that babies are at higher risk of SIDS if they have their heads covered and some items added to a cot may increase the risk of head-covering. Unnecessary items in a baby’s cot can also increase the risk of accidents. Make sure that any product you use meets the relevant British safety standard. Whilst evidence on individual items is not widely available, it makes sense to be as cautious as possible. We therefore recommend babies are slept in cots that are kept as clear as possible and specifically advise:

• No pillows or duvets;
• No cot bumpers;
• No soft toys;
• No loose bedding;
  • No products to keep a baby in one sleeping position such as wedges or straps.

We cannot comment on individual products, but would advise parents to read the safety advice when making choices.