Ensuring a safe night’s sleep for your baby

How often do you put your baby to sleep and worry about her safety? Do you put your ear close to her head to check she's okay? Rest assured, there are various things you can do to keep your baby safe when she's sleeping.

Sleeping position

Although the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is much reduced after six months, it's still a good idea to put your baby to sleep on her back. Just don't be surprised if she doesn't stay there. After six months, your baby is likely to roll around at night, and she's also much better at getting her head free of the bed to breathe well.

Keeping your baby safe when she's asleep by doing the following:

• Keep blankets, fluffy bedding, pillows and stuffed toys, and cot bumper  out of your baby's cot.

• Keep breastfeeding if you can.

• Control the temperature around your baby; dress her lightly – keep her warm but not too warm.

• Smoking in your baby's room is big no – in fact, it should never happen anywhere near her.

• Ensure that your baby's mattress is clean and firm and fits the bed tightly.

• The bedding should fit the mattress closely, too.

• No toys or mobiles in cots of babies older than five months. Mobiles must be out of the reach of the baby when used. 

• The mattress should be set on the lowest level for babies who can pull up to stand.

Cot notes

Are you sure your baby's cot is safe? Please, make sure the one you purchase meets all the current safety standards.

Keeping your child safe when she's asleep is crucial to your child's well-being and your own peace of mind.