• Safer Sleep Week 2019

Safer Sleep Week 2019

Raising awareness of SIDS

Safer Sleep Week is The Lullaby Trust’s national awareness campaign targeting anyone looking after a young baby. It aims to raise awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and the proven advice on how parents can reduce the risk of it occurring. Throughout the week we will be posting some advice from The Lullaby Trust and raising the awareness of SIDS.

What can I do to help prevent SIDS?

While SIDS cannot be completely prevented, you can reduce the risks of it occurring considerably by following the safer sleep advice from The Lullaby Trust. Below is a list of things you can do to help prevent SIDS.

Do:

  • Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
  • Place your baby in the "feet to foot" position (with their feet touching the end of the cot, Moses basket, or pram).
  • Keep your baby’s head uncovered. Their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.
  • Let your baby sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months.
  • Use a mattress that's firm, flat, waterproof and in good condition.
  • Breastfeed your baby (if you can).  Why breastfeed? 

Don't:

  • Smoke during pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby (both before and after birth).
  • Sleep on a bed, sofa or armchair with your baby.
  • Share a bed with your baby if you or your partner smoke or take drugs, or if you've been drinking alcohol.
  • Let your baby get too hot or too cold. A room temperature of 16-20C, with light bedding or a lightweight baby sleeping bag, will provide a comfortable sleeping environment for your baby.

Caring for your baby at night can be challenging! Click Here for some information from the Lullaby Trust that you may find useful.

If you would like to find out more information about SIDS or the other work of the Lullaby Trust visit www.thelullabytrust.org.uk