Safer Sleep Week - 10 to 16 March

Co-sleeping risks

 There are certain co-sleeping risk factors, including: 

• co-sleeping with a regular smoker 
• co-sleeping on a sofa
• co-sleeping after consuming alcohol or drugs
• If the baby was born prematurely or had low birth weight

Do's and Don'ts of Safer Sleep

Reducing the risk

It is not yet known how to completely prevent sudden infant deaths (sometimes called cot death) but you can significantly reduce the risk by following this advice while your baby is asleep:

• always place your baby on their back to sleep, with their feet at the foot of the cot
• place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months, even during the day
• keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth.  For help and advice contact Smoke Free NHS (opens new window).
• use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that is clean and in good condition, or a baby sleep bag of the correct size for the weight of your baby
• never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby 
• don't cover your baby's face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding
• don't sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke, drink, take drugs or if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth weight
• avoid letting your baby get too hot

You should follow the advice at all sleep times, not just at night.

Slings and baby carriers

Slings and baby carriers are useful for holding a baby hands free, however they are not always used safely.

The Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers provides the following advice to baby sling wearers: keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When wearing a sling or baby carrier, keep in mind the TICKS guidelines:

• Tight
• In view at all times
• Close enough to kiss
• Keep chin off the chest
• Supported back

This is to ensure that your baby's airway is kept clear, and so you can check that they are able to breathe easily and are not overheating.

Find out more from The Lullaby Trust (opens new window)