Safer Sleep Week

Posted by: sasha - Posted on:

March 10th-18th is ‘Safer Sleep Week’

We know that greater awareness of safer sleep leads to a decrease in the numbers of babies dying.

Sadly around four babies a week still die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and if all parents were aware of safer sleep advice, many lives could be saved. Around 700,000 babies are born every year in the UK and we want to reach all new parents and carers with life-saving messages.

Things you can do:

  • Always place your baby on their back
  • Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth
  • Breastfeed your baby if possible
  • Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months 
  • Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition

Things to avoid

Avoid letting your baby get too hot, don’t cover your baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding

Never sleep on a sofa or in an arm chair with your baby

Don’t sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke, drink or take drugs or if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth weight