Follow safer sleep advice for babies during cold period
As colder weather continues, parents and carers are being reminded that the safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back in a moses basket or cot in the same room as whoever is looking after them.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to discuss sleeping arrangements for their baby with their midwife or health visitor.
Emily Roberts, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children at the PHA, said: “First and foremost, for the first six months the safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own cot or moses basket in the same room as you, even during daytime naps.
“Remember to place your baby on their back with feet touching the bottom of the cot.
“It is really important to keep your baby’s sleep environment safe throughout the winter months, especially when there may be a temptation to add more blankets or to bring very young babies into bed with you for extra heat.
“Whilst we understand it can be tempting to wrap your baby up to keep them warm, we know that overheating a baby increases the chances of sudden infant death. Research shows babies are better to be cooler rather than overheated, so please bear that in mind.
“We know that babies are unable to fully regulate their body temperature so keep an eye on room temperature and adjust their bedding or sleepwear accordingly.
“It is normal for your baby’s hands and feet to feel slighter cooler than the rest of their body. If you think they are too hot or cold, check how warm they are by feeling the back of their neck.”
Advice to follow:
- The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own cot or moses basket in the same room as you, even during daytime naps.
- Sheets and blankets should be firmly tucked in (no higher than the shoulders) to avoid the risk of your baby’s head becoming covered by loose bedding. Babies’ heads are an important way for them to lose heat and prevent them from becoming overheated.
- Duvets should not be used for babies under 12 months. If you think your baby is cold, add an extra blanket or layer of clothing to your baby, unless using a sleeping bag.
- If you are using a baby sleeping bag, do not be tempted to add extra blankets on top of this. Choose a different tog for the different seasons. If you think your baby is cold add an extra layer of clothing. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the baby sleeping bag that you choose.
- Keep all loose bedding or any other items that could obstruct your baby’s breathing or cause them to overheat away from your baby. Don’t be tempted to put your baby to sleep under adult bedding to keep them warm. A high proportion of infants who die as a result of sudden infant death are found with their head covered by loose bedding.
It is also important to remember that when babies feel unwell, with a cold or fever, they may be warmer than usual and therefore need to have the opportunity to lower their body temperature – the best way to do this is to put fewer layers on and not overwrap them. If your baby shows signs of being significantly unwell or you are concerned about them, you should seek medical advice.
Please remember:
- Never ever sleep on an armchair or sofa with your baby. This is particularly risky.
- Never ever allow anyone who has been smoking, drinking or taking drugs (including prescription medication that can cause drowsiness) to share a bed with your baby.
- A room temperature of 16-20°C – with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bag fitted with neck and armholes, and no hood – is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.
- Never put pillows, loose blankets, cot bumpers or sleep positioners in your baby’s cot.
Emily continued: “By following some simple steps as part of a sleep-time routine, they’ll become second nature and help reduce the risk of sudden infant death.
“If you have any questions, no matter how small or trivial you might think they are, talk to your midwife or health visitor who can provide practical advice for your individual circumstances.”
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