The Lullaby Trust has launched the first ever national campaign to help raise awareness on how to put babies to sleep safely. It is undoubtedly scary when you first being them home from hospital and lay them down in their own cot. But although it is true to say there are no failsafe methods for totally preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), there are steps you can take to help minimise the risks.
The current advise includes:
Back to basics! Make sure you put your baby down to sleep on his or her back, not on their tummy.
Share your room, but not your bed with your baby. Put your baby to sleep in theIr own moses basket or crib near to you bed for the first six months.
Remove loose ends! Do not leave loose items such as pillows, cot bumpers or soft toys in your baby’s cot.
Keep your home a smoke free zone. Babies and smoke don’t mix. End of.
Make sure your baby does not get too hot. You can check your baby’s temperature by touching the back of their neck or placing a hand on their tummy.
Choose a firm waterproof mattress that is in good condition. Check the mattress regularly.
To download the Lullaby Trusts advice for safe sleeping, click here.
