A safe sleep environment for your baby

Planning for the arrival of your baby is an exciting time. But it can also be quite an overwhelming experience, especially with all the products available to buy, and social media influencers recommending everything as “essential”! In fact, there is very little your baby will need when thinking about safe sleep.

This blog will look in detail at everything you need to consider when thinking about your baby having somewhere safe to sleep.

Where should my baby sleep?

• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own separate, clear sleep space, which may be a moses basket or crib. Keep it in the same room as you for the first six months. This will help you to recognise and respond to your baby when they wake during the night and also when they are close by to you during the day too. 

• We don’t recommend sleep pods or nests as babies need to have clear space around their heads to prevent overheating. 

• Using a firm, flat waterproof mattress which is in good condition is important to help keep the mattress clean and dry, with no rips or tears. Make sure it fits your moses basket, crib or cot properly. Lullaby Trust and our Health Visiting service recommend buying a new mattress for each baby where possible. If you need to use a second-hand mattress, make sure it meets the criteria above and has a fire resistant label. 

• There is no need to line the sleep space with a sheepskin or thick blanket. Adding these can mean the surface is too soft and prevents air flow, meaning baby will get too hot.

What bedding does my baby need?

• No need for soft or bulky bedding such as duvets, baby quilts or pillow. These have been shown to increase the risk of SIDS by 3 times.

• Make sure all sheets and blankets are tucked in securely, with your baby in the feet to foot position. Put the blankets or sheets below shoulder height, and have your baby’s feet at the bottom of their sleep space so they can’t wriggle underneath the blanket. 

• If it’s colder, your baby may need a lightweight blanket but always make sure to check their core body temperature by placing a hand on their chest or on their back.

• Sleep bags are a good alternative, and most manufacturers recommend products based on your baby’s weight. 

• No toys, cuddly teddies or soft cuddle blankies should be in the sleep space with your baby. We also do not recommend cot bumpers as they can cause your baby to get tangled in the ties or may accidentally be pulled over your baby’s mouth and nose.

For more information about sleep spaces, have a look at this handy video.

Other safety issues

Alongside your baby being in the same room as you for the first six months in their own separate sleep space, make sure they:

• Lie on their back
• Have a clear cot with no toys, thick blankets, duvets, baby quilts or pillows
• Have a firm, flat waterproof mattress that fits the sleep space
• Have a smoke free environment to sleep in
• Have the right temperature to avoid them getting too hot – anywhere between 16-20 degrees is ok
• Are safe in their own space; no sleeping in armchairs, sofas or sharing beds with other siblings
• Avoid co-sleeping if anyone has smoked, taken medication which may make them sleepier, are exceptionally tired, or if alcohol has been drunk or drugs taken. If your baby is born early or was a very small weight at birth, we don’t recommend co-sleeping.

More advice

Your Health Visiting team will be in touch to discuss our antenatal contact with you where we will go into more detail about safer sleep.

But, if you would like more information in the meantime, head over to the Lullaby Trust website or visit our safe sleeping pages.

If you have any questions you can always contact the Health Visiting team on our ChatHealth service, texting 07312 263 283.