Safe Baby Sleep Advice
The FSID (Foundation for the Study of Instant Deaths) has teamed up with child sleep specialist Andrea Grace to bring you the best advice on safe sleep for your baby.
The Cot
Ideally, your baby's mattress should be new. If yours was inherited from a family member or a friend, you need to make sure that it is clean, dry and free from cracks and tears. It should be firm, with no sagging and fit the cot snugly, with no gaps at the edges. Ventilated mattresses with holes are not recommended, as they are impossible to keep clean. Your baby should not sleep on a pillow, bean bag, sofa or water bed.
Temperature
The recommended room temperature for a baby is 16-20 degrees Celsius, that's 61-68 degrees Fahrenheit. For many of us, this feels rather cool, but research has shown that it is a safe and comfortable temperature for a baby to sleep in. In ordinary circumstances it is not recommended that central heating be left on over night, unless it is controlled by a thermostat. To see if your baby is too hot, or too cold, you should feel her tummy or neck, but not her hands and feet, as they often feel cool.
Positioning
The safest position for your baby to sleep is on their back, not on their front or side. Their feet should be placed at the foot of the cot, with the bedding tucked in and made up to come no higher than their shoulders. This is so that they can't wriggle down under her blankets. Do not position your baby's bed near to a radiator or heater of any kind. The cot should be kept away from direct sunlight.
Bedding
Duvets and pillows are not recommended for babies under one year. It is far safer to use a cotton sheet and light layers of cotton blankets. Electric blankets and hot water bottles should never be used. It is fine to use a baby sleeping bag. They are great for keeping babies cosy, but they need to be cotton, light weight and not have a hood. They should never be used with a duvet or quilt. If additional warmth is needed, a light blanket, cotton sheet or extra clothing is usually all that is necessary, but take care not to over heat. It is most important that the sleeping bag is not too big around the neck, to prevent your baby from slipping down into the bag.
Sleeping with you
The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot. For the first six months, it is best for her cot to be in a room with you. If there is not enough space, you should have her in the next nearest room, with the doors left open.
You should avoid having your baby in bed with you if:
The Cot
Ideally, your baby's mattress should be new. If yours was inherited from a family member or a friend, you need to make sure that it is clean, dry and free from cracks and tears. It should be firm, with no sagging and fit the cot snugly, with no gaps at the edges. Ventilated mattresses with holes are not recommended, as they are impossible to keep clean. Your baby should not sleep on a pillow, bean bag, sofa or water bed.
Temperature
The recommended room temperature for a baby is 16-20 degrees Celsius, that's 61-68 degrees Fahrenheit. For many of us, this feels rather cool, but research has shown that it is a safe and comfortable temperature for a baby to sleep in. In ordinary circumstances it is not recommended that central heating be left on over night, unless it is controlled by a thermostat. To see if your baby is too hot, or too cold, you should feel her tummy or neck, but not her hands and feet, as they often feel cool.
Positioning
The safest position for your baby to sleep is on their back, not on their front or side. Their feet should be placed at the foot of the cot, with the bedding tucked in and made up to come no higher than their shoulders. This is so that they can't wriggle down under her blankets. Do not position your baby's bed near to a radiator or heater of any kind. The cot should be kept away from direct sunlight.
Bedding
Duvets and pillows are not recommended for babies under one year. It is far safer to use a cotton sheet and light layers of cotton blankets. Electric blankets and hot water bottles should never be used. It is fine to use a baby sleeping bag. They are great for keeping babies cosy, but they need to be cotton, light weight and not have a hood. They should never be used with a duvet or quilt. If additional warmth is needed, a light blanket, cotton sheet or extra clothing is usually all that is necessary, but take care not to over heat. It is most important that the sleeping bag is not too big around the neck, to prevent your baby from slipping down into the bag.
Sleeping with you
The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot. For the first six months, it is best for her cot to be in a room with you. If there is not enough space, you should have her in the next nearest room, with the doors left open.
You should avoid having your baby in bed with you if:
- Either parent is a smoker (even if you don't smoke at home).
- Either of you have been drinking alcohol or have taken drugs or medication which might cause drowsiness.
- Either of you is very tired.
- Your baby was premature or low birth weight (less that 2.5kg or five and half pounds).
- Your baby is under 3 months old.
