How to keep your newborn safe and sound when they’re sleeping.

How to reduce the risk of SIDS

Some babies die suddenly and for no apparent reason from what is called ‘cot death’ or ‘Sudden Infant Death Syndrome’ (SIDS). We still don’t know why it happens, but we do know that there are things you can do that will reduce the risk.

One of the most important things you can do is always put your baby to sleep on her back, not on her tummy. Since the ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign started, the numbers of cot deaths have fallen dramatically. Other important things to do are:

• Place your baby in the ‘feet to foot’ position, feet at the foot of the cot, blankets made up to the shoulders and tucked in; this will stop your baby wriggling down under the covers.
• Don’t smoke during pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
• Don’t let your baby get too hot.
• Don’t use cot bumpers once your baby can get up on her hands and knees – she may climb up and out!
• Watch for ribbons and bits of string from mobiles; she could get tangled in them.
• Make sure your baby is never put to sleep on a pillow, cushion, beanbag or waterbed.
• If your baby is unwell, seek medical advice straightaway.

Mattress matters

If you replace your baby’s cot mattress, make sure there’s no gap between the cot mattress and the sides of the cot through which her body could slip.

Ideally you should get a new mattress for each child, but if this isn’t possible:

• Make sure it was made with a completely waterproof cover (eg PVC) and has no tears, cracks or holes.
• Clean it thoroughly and dry it.
• Check the mattress is in good condition, doesn’t sag, is firm (not soft) and fits the cot without any gaps.
• Ventilated mattresses (with holes) aren’t recommended, as it isn’t possible to keep the inside clean.

The right temperature

Babies can’t control their own temperature very well. It’s just as important to stop your baby getting too hot as too cold, because overheating is known to be a factor in cot death. Try these tips for baby temperature control.

Room temperature

The ideal room temperature for your baby is between 16°C and 20°C. Below this temperature he will be too cold and above it, he will be too hot. Room thermometers are available post-free for £2.75 from the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths on 0207 233 2090 .

1. To check if your baby is too hot, look for sweating or touch the baby; don’t worry if her hands or feet feel a little cooler than her body, that’s normal.
2. Never use a hot water bottle or electric blanket for a baby.
3. Never place baby’s cot near a radiator or in direct sunlight – he could overheat.

Tips for baby temperature control

Further information

For more information on sleep safety, contact the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths on www.sids.org.uk or log onto the website www.babyfriendly.org.uk.