Sudden Infant Death Syndrome also known as SIDS, is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby where no cause is found.
Things to do to reduce the risk of SIDS...
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep
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Always place your baby on their back when going to sleep. If your baby has rolled onto their tummy, you should turn them onto their back again.
- Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and birth
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Smoking both during pregnancy and after your baby is born increases the risk of SIDS. If you and your partner smoke, you should not share a bed with your baby.
- Breastfeed your baby
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Breastfed babies have a lower chance of SIDS. Breastfeeding can help reduce the chance of SIDS compared to formula feeding alone.
- Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or moses basket in the same room at you.
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The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first 6 months is in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you both during day and night.
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in a good condition
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You should sleep your baby on a firm, flat, mattress that is clean and in a good condition. Avoid using soft or bulky bedding such a pillow, quilts and duvets.
Things to do avoid when putting your baby to sleep...
- Don't sleep in the same bed as your baby.
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Bed sharing increased the chance of SIDS especially if you or your partner smokes, has drunk alcohol or taken drugs (this can include medication that makes you drowsy). Bed sharing is also dangerous if your baby was premature or born with a low birth weight, even if you don’t drink, smoke or take drugs.
- Avoid letting your baby get too hot
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It’s important to make sure that your baby is a comfortable temperature. A room temperature of 16-20°C, with light bedding or a lightweight fitted sleep bag is comfortable and safer for sleeping babies.
- Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby
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Sofa sharing can increase the chanced of SIDS. Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby next to you or on your chest, even during the day.
For information on Safe Sleeping, visit www.lullabytrust.org.uk
How to co-sleep more safely
To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. However, we know that many parents find themselves co-sleeping whether they mean to or not. Wherever you’re planning for your baby to sleep we recommend making your bed a safer place for baby. Our advice on co-sleeping with your baby will tell you how.
- When not to co-sleep
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Whether you choose to co-sleep or it is unplanned, there are some key risks you should avoid.
Co-sleeping with your baby is very dangerous if:
you or anyone in the bed has recently drunk any alcohol you or anyone in the bed smokes or the baby was exposed to smoking in pregnancy you or anyone in the bed has taken any drugs or medication that make you feel sleepy your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or weighed under 2.5kg or 5½ lbs when they were born.
In these scenarios, it is always best to put baby in their own safe sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Keeping the cot or Moses basket next to your bed might make this easier.
Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can’t breathe.
- Co-sleeping more safely
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Adult beds have not been designed or safety tested for infant sleep in the same way as, for example, a cot or Moses basket. Whether you choose to bedshare, or it is unplanned, it is best to think ahead.
Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby or any other items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat. A high proportion of babies who die as a result of SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding.
Remove slatted / decorated headboards, or cover them so there are no gaps.
Follow all The Lullaby Trust’s other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS such as sleeping baby on their back.
Do not bring other children or pets into bed with you. This will help to reduce the risk of accidents.
Check that baby cannot be trapped in the bedframe or headboard, wedged or fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall.
Never leave your baby alone in an adult bed. It’s important to consider any risks that an adult bed may post to your baby, especially while you are asleep. As your baby develops, becomes more mobile and can move around, the risks can change, so we recommend checking your bed regularly to prevent possible accidents.
Or contact 0808 802 6869
Email: info@lullabytrust.org.uk
The Lullaby Trust offer bereavement services if you have been affected by the death of your child due to SIDS.
Published 1st May 2024