13 March 2023

Sleep is crucial for the growth and development of babies. As a parent, it is important to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is a sudden and unexplained death of a baby under one year of age. In this blog, we will discuss some tips for safer sleeping in babies.

• Back to Sleep – The safest position for a baby to sleep is on their back. This position reduces the risk of SIDS by up to 50%. It is important to place your baby on their back for all sleep times, including nap time.
• Use a firm and flat sleep surface – Babies should always sleep on a firm and flat surface such as a crib, bassinet or play yard. Soft surfaces like sofas, waterbeds, or soft mattresses increase the risk of SIDS.
• Keep the sleeping area clutter-free – It is important to keep the sleeping area free of any soft objects or loose bedding. Pillows, blankets, and soft toys should be kept away from the baby’s sleeping area as they can increase the risk of suffocation or choking.
• Avoid bed-sharing – bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS, especially if the parents are smokers, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or overly tired. It is important to provide a separate sleeping area for the baby.
• Keep the baby’s room at a comfortable temperature – The baby’s room should be kept at a comfortable temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. A comfortable room temperature is between 68-72°F (20-22°C).
• Consider using a dummy at bedtime – Using a dummy at bedtime can reduce the risk of SIDS, especially for babies who are younger than six months old.
• Breastfeed if possible, Breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. If possible, try to breastfeed your baby for at least the first six months of life.

In conclusion, creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby is crucial to reduce the risk of SIDS. Always remember to place your baby on their back to sleep, use a firm and flat sleep surface, keep the sleeping area clutter-free, avoid bed-sharing, keep the baby’s room at a comfortable temperature, consider using a pacifier at bedtime, and breastfeed if possible. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your baby gets a safe and peaceful night’s sleep.

Scallywags aims to provide a safe sleeping environment for our children by following our sleep policy which includes the ABCDE’s of sleeping and ensuring all staff have ‘Working with under 2s’ baby training.

Safer Sleeping in Babies blog written by Demi