A focus on safer sleep for babies - Supporting families

The Lullaby Trust gives simple safer sleep advice on how to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIDS.

The advice is based on strong scientific evidence and should be followed for ALL sleep periods, not just at night.

Dos:

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

Don'ts

• Sleep on a sofa or arm chair with baby
• Sleep in the same bed as baby, especially if:
  • you are a smoker
  • have drunk alcohol
  • have taken drugs/medication
  • you are extremely tired
  • baby was born premature or is of low birth weight
• Cover baby's face or head whilst sleeping.
• Use loose bedding
• Let baby get too hot

To avoid accidents

Remove all pillows, soft bedding, cot bumpers and soft toys.

Remember…

The safest sleep place for baby in the first 6 months is a cot in the parental bedroom.

Please encourage safe sleep messages to be extended not only to mothers but also to fathers, extended family and carers.

Encourage them to speak to their Midwife or Health Visitor (0-19 Practitioner 423333) if they have any questions.

You can also visit the Lullaby Trust website if you or parents/carers have any questions about SIDS or Safer Sleep.

See more on the Lullaby Trust Website

Contact the Lullaby Trust on: 0808 8026869 (Mon-Friday 10am-5pm)