[Accident Prevention] Safe sleep

Accident Prevention: Safe sleep.

The reason why parents are encouraged to learn and apply safe sleep measures is to prevent Sudden Infant Death syndrome - or SIDS for short. There is no single cause for this but there are a number of risk factors which increase the likelihood of SIDS. Luckily, there are a number of preventative measures we now know that you can do to try and keep your baby sleeping as safely as possible.

What reduces the risk of SIDS?

Breastfeeding
Don’t let your baby get too hot!

Babies do not need excessive clothing. No hats or gloves are required unless medically advised. No duvets or excessive bedding should be used as your baby is likely to overheat. Hands and feet may feel cold and this is normal. Feel your baby’s chest and neck to assess temperature. 36.5-37.5 is the normal temperature of a baby.

The products that you choose for bedding

You need a flat, firm mattress protected with a waterproof cover. A new one is recommended, although not essential. Make sure it fits well to the cot and ensure no soft toys, pods, nests, sleep positioners, bumpers, heavy bedding or cushions are around the cot.

4.The positioning of your baby to sleep as per recommendation

Always place your baby on their back unless medical advice states otherwise.

There is no evidence that babies are more likely to choke on their backs but the risk of SIDS is reduced by six times compared to sleeping on their fronts

Feet need to be at the end of the cot/moses basket with their head and face uncovered- no hats!

5.Baby sleeping bags

These are preferable over loose sheets as the baby is more secure. The right tog needs to be considered and a room temperature thermometer used. Aim for around 16-20 degrees.

Car seats and slings

When you are home from a journey, remove your baby from the car seat

When you are on a journey stop every 2 hours approx to give your baby time outside the car seat

Use the TICKS rule when using a sling https://www.rospa.com/Home-Safety/Advice/Product/Baby-Slings

What increases the risks of SIDS?

-Smoking

-Sharing a bed with your baby after the intake of alcohol or drugs

- Sleeping on a sofa, armchair or other soft surface with your baby

-Allowing your baby to get too hot or cold

Resources and sources: https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/safesleep/index.html

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/

Author: Abigail Laurie Registered Midwife and Registered Specialist Public Health Nurse, United Kingdom.