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Keeping baby warm this winter

Please see newly published advice from the Lullaby Trust:

“We know that the colder months can be difficult for families.  You might be worried about paying your heating bills with the increase in energy prices and concerned about trying to keep your home and your baby warm.  Whilst we understand it can be tempted to wrap your baby up to keep them warm while they sleep, we know that overheating increases the chances of SIDS and research shows that it’s better for babies to be cooler rather than too hot.

To reduce the risk of overheating, avoid using thick bedding and duvets and remove any outdoor clothing and hats when you are indoors.  During the winter months, firmly tucked in sheets and blankets (not above shoulder height) or a well-fitted baby sleep bag are fine for babies to sleep in.

To help we’ve put together some useful advice on safer sleep during the colder months.  Keeping warm this winter – The Lullaby Trust

They have also published a guide for parents/carers who may find themselves in emergency situations where it may not always be possible to access a recommended sleep space for baby.  The Lullaby Trust have adapted safer sleep advice based on different sleeping situations.  How to Follow Safer Sleep Advice in Emergency Situations Resource.

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Devon County Council runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-19 years called ChatHealth. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a public health nurse (health visitor/school nurse) within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the line reopens. You can also call our Public Health Nursing hubs on the numbers listed below.

If you are concerned about the safety of a child in Devon, contact our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0345 155 1071 or email mashsecure@devon.gov.uk with as much information as possible.

This page was last reviewed on 23-09-2022

This page will be next reviewed on 23-09-2025