1. What is the safest sleeping position for my baby?
Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, both day and night. This is the safest position and significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Avoid side or front sleeping, and ensure your baby sleeps on a flat, firm surface without any incline.
2. What kind of bedding is safe for my baby?
A clear sleep space is the safest. Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and avoid pillows, duvets, soft toys, and cot bumpers, as they can pose suffocation risks.
3. When is it safe for my baby to sleep with a blanket?
It’s best to avoid loose bedding for babies under 12 months. Instead, use a baby sleep bag that fits properly and suits the room temperature. This prevents covers from accidentally covering your baby’s face.
4. How can I keep my baby warm without using blankets?
A baby sleep bag (wearable blanket) is a safer alternative to loose blankets. Choose the right TOG rating based on the room temperature and dress your baby in breathable layers underneath.
5. What temperature should my baby’s room be for safe sleep?
Keep the room temperature between 16°C and 20°C. Use a room thermometer to monitor this, as overheating increases the risk of SIDS.
6. What should my baby wear for safe sleep in different temperatures?
For cooler nights, dress your baby in a long-sleeved sleepsuit with a higher TOG sleep bag. In warmer temperatures, opt for a short-sleeved bodysuit and a lower TOG sleep bag. Adjust layers as needed to prevent overheating.
7. How can I reduce the risk of overheating during my baby’s sleep?
To prevent overheating:
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Keep the room temperature within the recommended range.
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Use lightweight sleep clothing and bedding.
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Avoid placing the cot near radiators, heaters, or direct sunlight.
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Check your baby for signs of overheating, such as sweating or a hot chest.
8. How do I know if my baby is overheating during sleep?
Signs of overheating include damp hair, sweating, flushed skin, rapid breathing, or heat rash. If you notice these, adjust your baby's clothing or the room temperature.
9. How should I set up my baby's crib to ensure safe sleep?
Use a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet. Keep the crib free from pillows, toys, and loose bedding. It’s safest for your baby to sleep in your room (but in their own cot) for the first six months.
10. Is co-sleeping safe for my baby?
Co-sleeping carries risks, especially if you or your partner smoke, have consumed alcohol, or if your baby was born prematurely. The safest place for your baby is a separate cot or Moses basket in your room for the first six months.
11. How long should my baby sleep in the same room as me?
Experts recommend room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) for at least the first six months, as it reduces the risk of SIDS.
12. Can my baby sleep in a car seat or swing?
Car seats and swings are not designed for regular sleep. If your baby falls asleep in one, transfer them to a flat, firm sleep surface as soon as possible to ensure proper airflow.
13. What is a baby sleep bag, and how do I choose the right one?
A baby sleep bag replaces loose bedding and keeps your baby safe and warm. Choose the right size based on your baby's weight and ensure it fits snugly around the neck and armholes to prevent slipping. Use a TOG rating suitable for the room temperature.
14. Should my baby use a dummy during sleep?
Some research suggests that offering a dummy at the start of sleep may help reduce the risk of SIDS. If breastfeeding, wait until it's well established before introducing a dummy. If it falls out during sleep, there's no need to put it back.
Following these sleep safety guidelines helps create a secure and comfortable environment for your baby every night.
