Safe sleeping

We thought we would share with you some important things to remember when putting your baby to bed and in general when they sleep.

• Don’t position cot/crib/moses basket too close to a radiator/heater
• Place your baby on their back to sleep, with their feet to the bottom of the cot/crib or moses basket.
• Clear Cot. Do not have lot of teddies, bedding or cushioned bumpers that are not needed in the cot. All you need in the cot is a firm, flat mattress and the blankets/sleeping bag your baby is in.
• If swaddling your baby use thin layers. It is better to add several thin layers. You can remove or add as needed depending on your baby’s temperature or the room temperature. Ensure the swaddle is not too tight, and never above the shoulders.
• Tuck blankets in to the edge of the mattress to minimise the risk of baby getting tangled up.
• Hats are for outside. You should not use a hat on your baby indoors. Your baby regulates its temperature by releasing excess heat from their head. If you cover it, they can’t do this, therefore are at risk of overheating.
• Keep room temperature between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. There are many room thermometers available. You can check whether your baby feels too warm by feeling their chest, it is important to touch the skin. If it feels clammy or very warm to touch lower the room temperature or remove a layer.
• Do not to fall asleep with baby in your arms or on a sofa or chair.
• At Little Solutions we do not promote co sleeping however if you are doing this a baby should not sleep in bed with a parent who has been drinking alcohol or smoking

For more information go to www.lullabytrust.org.uk