Safe sleeping :: Hounslow Healthier Together

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – sometimes known as "cot death" – is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.

In the UK, around 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year. This statistic may sound alarming, but SIDS is rare and the risk of your baby dying from it is low.

The Lullaby Trust provides expert advice on safer baby sleep and raises awareness of sudden infant death. Much of their information and videos have been included on this page, but additional information can be found on the Lullaby Trust website: Please click here

Do

place your baby in the "feet to foot" position – with their feet touching the end of the cot, Moses basket, or pram
keep your baby's head uncovered – their blanket should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders
let your baby sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months
use a mattress that's firm, flat, waterproof and in good condition
breastfeed your baby, if you can – see benefits of breastfeeding for more information
make sure you use a sling or baby-carrier safely – The Lullaby Trust has more information

Don’t

do not smoke during pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby – both before and after birth
do not sleep on a bed, sofa or armchair with your baby
do not share a bed with your baby if you or your partner smoke or take drugs, have recently drunk alcohol or if your baby was born prematurely or weighed under 2.5kg when they were born
do not let your baby get too hot or too cold – a room temperature of 16C to 20C, with light bedding or a lightweight baby sleeping bag, will provide a comfortable sleeping environment for your baby

The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first 6 months is in a cot in the same room as you.

It's especially important not to share a bed with your baby if you or your partner:

are smokers (no matter where or when you smoke and even if you never smoke in bed)
have recently drunk alcohol
have taken medication or drugs that make you sleep more heavily

The risks of bed sharing are also increased if your baby was:

premature (born before 37 weeks) or,
had a low birth weight ((less than 2.5kg or 5.5lb)

As well as a higher risk of SIDS, there's also a risk you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby. Your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or roll out of an adult bed and be injured.

Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair. It's lovely to have your baby with you for a cuddle or a feed, but sleeping with your baby on a sofa or armchair is linked to a higher risk of SIDS. It's safest to put your baby back in their cot/Moses basket before you go to sleep.

Lullaby Trust

Advice on safe sleep for babies and infants

UNICEF

Caring for Your Baby at Night and When Sleeping