Safe sleep guidelines for newborn babies

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Essentials
At Love To Dream™, we know that nothing matters more than your baby’s safety - and your peace of mind. Creating a safe sleep routine isn’t just about today’s nap or tonight’s bedtime, it’s about building habits that protect and comfort your little one for years to come.
Genevieve Titov, Sleep Angel
5 min read |
20 July, 2023

What is Safe Sleep for babies?

Creating a safe sleep routine for your baby is crucial. Safe sleep is putting your baby to sleep on their back with the face and head uncovered. They must sleep on a clean and flat mattress that is the correct size for the cot/bassinet.

You must always remove toys, loose objects, and blankets from the cot/bassinet before sleep.

How Can I Make My Baby’s Sleep Space Safer?

Always remove loose bedding, pillows, toys, and blankets from the crib or bassinet. Ensure the mattress is firm, clean, and fits well

Why Does Safe Sleep Matter?

Since launching the “Back to Sleep” campaign in 1994, safe sleep practices have helped reduce SIDS rates by over 50%. While the exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, following these guidelines can significantly lower the risk.

Setting up your Sleep Space

Here are some key things to remember and guidelines to follow when setting up a safe sleep space for your baby:

What does a safe sleep environment look like?

A safe sleep environment is a firm flat mattress, free from blankets, toys, with a tight well-fitted sheet and clear from any hanging or easily accessible items.

Safe Sleep

Guidelines

  • Sleeping Position

    Place your baby on their back for every sleep, day and night. This consistent position promotes safer sleep habits and reduces risks of rolling.

  • Clear Crib

    Keep the crib free of bumpers, toys, and loose bedding to help prevent your baby’s head from becoming covered, supporting safer sleep.

  • Room Temperature

    Set your baby’s room temperature between 61-68°F for a comfortable, safer sleep environment, reducing overheating risks.

  • Breastfeeding

    Breastfeeding offers protective benefits that support safer sleep. The longer you continue, the greater the safety benefits for your baby.

    .

  • Smoking

    Avoid smoking during pregnancy and keep your baby’s environment smoke-free to reduce sleep-related risks and promote safer sleep.

  • Multiples & Twins

    Whether sleeping together or separately, following safer sleep practices for each baby promotes their safety and well-being, day and night.

  • The Lullaby Trust

    For more information on Safe Sleep, visit The Lullaby Trust.

What are unsafe sleeping arrangements?

You must follow safe sleep guidelines when putting your child to sleep. The below actions must be avoided, as they will put your child at an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome):

  • Putting your child to sleep on their tummy or side.
  • Putting your child to sleep on a soft mattress or a mattress that does not fit the cot/bassinet correctly.
  • Putting your child to sleep on a sofa or bunk bed.
  • Allowing your child to become too hot or too cold during sleep.
  • Putting your child to sleep in a separate room to you during the first six-12 months.
  • Co-sleeping.
  • If you/a family member/partner smoke or smoked during pregnancy.


What are the common risks that impact safe baby sleep?

From the use of excess blankets to a cot that does not meet current safety standards, find common risks that can impact safe baby sleep below:

  • Excess blankets, loose objects, and toys can be a suffocation hazard.
  • An unsafe cot/bassinet that does not meet current safety standards.
  • Hot drinks/food left near the cot.
  • Pets left unsupervised around your child.
  • Loose cords near your child’s sleep space such as curtains, blinds, wires, or electrical cords.

Top Tips

1. Carry out a thorough safety check before sleep
Remove any loose items, toys, and blankets and ensure there are no hanging cords or appliances within reach. Make sure baby is on their back for sleep. Never use pillows, crib bumpers, mattress padding, heated blankets, or excess blankets.
2. Maintain a safe room temperature
Monitoring the room temperature will ensure your child is comfortable and safe during sleep. Look for signs your baby is too hot or cold . The right sleepwear is also crucial to maintaining a safe temperature. Follow a Clothing Guide to dress your child correctly and contact a health professional if you have any concerns on your child's wellbeing.
3. Choose the right sleeping garment
Choosing the right sleep sack or swaddling technique for your babies abilities is key. A Swaddle is perfect for newborn babies but once your baby shows signs of rolling, you should stop swaddling and use a Transition Bag to support their development and keep them safe whilst sleeping.
4. Back to sleep 
Always put your baby to sleep on their back. Side and tummy positions are not safe for newborns.
5. ‘Feet to foot’ position
Always place your baby in the 'feet to foot' position, with their feet at the rear end of the crib.    
6. Seek Support
If you’re unsure about any of the above safety recommendations for newborn sleep, please contact your trusted health professional. If your baby is irritable, excessively crying, or unable to settle, it’s recommended that you seek support from a health expert.

Share the knowledge

Safe sleep practices have changed in recent years. Be sure to share this article with any carer looking after your child so they have the latest advice.

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