Babies sleep, even at Christmas, and you can keep them safe

Every sleep must be a safer sleep.

At Christmas we are often out of our normal routines, so its even more important to remember Safer Sleep advice.

Sleeping Environment

• If you’re sleeping somewhere different, think in advance about the sleeping arrangements for your baby.
• The safest place for your baby to sleep is a separate cot or Moses’ basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months, even during the day.
• Keep the sleeping environment clear of toys, cot bumpers, pillows and any products marketed for babies to sleep with. Always seek advice from your Midwife or Health Visitor.
• Always take your baby out of the car seat when you are not traveling – the position carries potential risk and may inhibit breathing.
• Parents, carers, and older children must never sleep on the sofa or in an armchair with the baby as this can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by 50 times.

Temperature

• It is important to make sure that your baby’s room is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold.
• At this time of year, you might be tempted to wrap your baby up to keep them warm while they are sleeping.  However, it’s important to make sure your baby doesn’t get too hot.
• The chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. Try to keep the room temperature between 16 -20°C.
• Remember to remove hats, blankets coats/snow suits when you move from cold environments to warm heated environments.

Position

• Always put your baby on their back for every sleep, day and night, as the chance of SIDS is particularly high for babies who are sometimes placed on their front or side.

Out of Routine

• If you’re taking medication, consumed alcohol, taken any substances or away from home don’t change your routine, stick to the safer sleep advice.
• Babies are at greater risk when any of these things have changed from the normal routine.

For more information and Safer Sleep advice contact

The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep for babies, Support for families

We wish you a safe sleep this Christmas!

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
‘Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night
All is calm and all is bright
‘Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Your health visiting team are working thought out the Christmas period apart from bank holidays. Please contact us if you have any questions or need support.

#EverySleepMustBeASaferSleep