Sleep safety tips

New parents soon feel the need for a good night’s kip! This is much easier to achieve when a routine is established that you can all live with, and you have the peace of mind that your baby is sleeping safely and soundly. Try out our sleep safety tips below.

 Making sure your baby is sleeping safely can be a source of worry

Safety first

At around three months most babies will be starting to outgrow their Moses baskets and be ready to move into a cot. There are, however, a few important safety measures to be taken before you make the switch. When choosing a cot, make sure it meets the current safety guidelines and if you’re inheriting one, always buy a new mattress, for hygiene reasons. Check that the mattress is a snug fit in the cot with no gaps. Cot bumpers are fine at this age, although an older baby may use them to try to climb out.

The best sleeping position for a baby

The safest way for a baby to sleep is on her back with her feet at the foot of the cot. Tuck in sheets and blankets tightly, making sure they come no higher than her shoulders. Alternatively, a hoodless, lightweight sleeping bag of the right size will ensure your baby’s head doesn’t get covered by bedding. Your baby can’t regulate her body temperature, so check she isn’t overheating by feeling her head, neck or back (not hands and feet).

Safe sleeping

Making sure your baby is sleeping safely can be a source of worry, but there are small things you can do to help ensure your baby has a good and safe nights sleep.
• Always put your baby to sleep on her back in the feet-to-foot position
• Try not to use use pillows or duvets
• A firm mattress is always best
• Don’t smoke in the house or in front of your baby
• keep the room at around 18ºC (65ºF) and make sure that the cot is placed away from heaters. Being too hot is worse than being cold for a baby
• Don’t use electric blankets or hot water bottles.