Safe sleeping tips for your baby

• 182 babies and young children die of SIDS in the UK every year. 

• Co-sleeping with your baby isn’t recommended, but you can put measures in place to make it a safer experience for your child if necessary. 

• Cot bumpers are highly unsafe for babies and infants. 

• You should never put a baby down to sleep on their side as this can cause SIDS. 

Following Child Safety Week, there’s no better time to discuss the importance of safe sleeping for children. You might be wondering how sleeping can be dangerous for an infant, but statistics show that 182 babies and young children die every year of SIDS in the UK. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the medical term for ‘cot death’. This horrifying statistic, combined with recent research around the connection between a child’s sleeping space and the risk of SIDS, inspired us to share our safe sleeping tips.  

We will uncover everything you need to know when creating a safe space for your child, from how to co-sleep safely to the positions your baby lies in; giving you that much-needed peace of mind. But before we delve into the specifics, our sleep experts have answered some of the most asked questions surrounding child safety at night. 

Is co-sleeping safe?

Whether or not you intentionally co-sleep with your little one, there's many risks involved with sharing a bed. These risks are further heightened if a parent has recently drunk alcohol, taken drugs or is smoking. Not to mention, a premature or underweight baby is at even more risk of harm when sharing a bed with their parents.  

It’s also important to note that adult beds have not been safety-tested for babies the same way that child-specific beds have, such as moses baskets and cots. That's why it’s never advised that a child sleeps in a parent’s bed. What’s more, research also shows that the risk of SIDS increases by 50% when sleeping on a sofa or armchair with a baby since there’s a higher chance of the infant becoming trapped in an enclosed position.  

How to co-sleep safely

While we don't recommend co-sleeping when your baby's less than 12-months old, sometimes it can't be helped. In these scenarios, we encourage you to make the space as safe as possible for your baby. You can do this by removing all adult bedding, including pillows, that could end up on top of them, causing them to overheat or suffocate.  

You’ll also want to get rid of headboard slats and any protruding decor on your headboard where a baby could get trapped. And refrain from bringing another child or pet into the bed with you as this only magnifies the problem. As your baby grow, they’ll become more mobile, meaning these regular risk checks are a must.  

It’s safer for a child to co-sleep when they’re 1 and above. Ideally, 5 is the age when they stop sleeping with their parents and are introduced to their own space. Remember, a baby should never be left alone in an adult bed as you’ll have no control over what could happen. It's safest to let them sleep while you stay awake and keep an eye on them. 

Are cot bumpers safe?

No, cot bumpers aren’t considered safe for any age. These soft pads attach to each side of a cot and were originally designed to prevent a baby's head getting stuck between the slats. While they sound like a nifty essential for all parents, they’ve actually contributed to the growing numbers of SIDS cases. In fact, the safety of cot bumpers has become an increasing concern over the years; with reports of children choking, suffocating or being strangled by them.  

Is it safe for a baby to sleep on their side?

When it comes to safe sleeping for babies, you should always place them on their back as you put them down for a sleep or nap. By placing them on their side or tummy, you can increase their risk of SIDS. However, as they grow older and can independently roll over, there’s no need to worry if they end up on their side or tummy. 

Night time safety tips for babies

Now that we’ve answered some pressing questions for new and experienced parents, it's time to give you our top tips on creating a safe sleeping space for your sprog. 

 1. Remove toys, pillows & cot bumpers

As previously mentioned, cot bumpers are hazardous to infants. In the same sense, toys and pillows can be just as dangerous if a baby climbs on them or sleeps up against them. As we like to say, a clear cot is the safest cot. 

2. Remove accessories

Don’t forget, for a baby, any item is a chew toy. So, taking the likes of dummy straps, bibs, hair accessories and tie fastenings off your child before bed will avoid any choking hazards and promote ultimate cot safety. 

3. Maintain a comfortable temperature

Your baby’s room should be kept at a comfortable 16-20 degrees for ease of sleep, and to avoid them from overheating, which is another cause of SIDS. 

4. Don’t rely on a car seat

You wouldn’t be the first parent to take advantage of timed car naps when going from A to B, but you should never use the car seat as a regular place for your baby to nap since sleeping in a seated position can contribute to breathing problems. Similarly, never leave a baby unattended in a car and always take regular breaks during long journeys so you can take your baby out of the car seat. 

5. Put child safety first

Nursery elements such as blinds should always be pre-approved as child-safe. If blinds have dangling cords or ties, these can become choking hazards. 

6. Use a suitable bed

Whether you have a baby, toddler or 6-year-old, having the right bed or cot is essential for ensuring maximum safety while they kip. As a newborn, a moses basket offers a safe space for your little one while they stay in your room. Between 6-18 months, we recommend transitioning to a cot bet for when a child becomes more mobile. Once they get extra crafty and try to climb out of their cot, it's time to think about a toddler bed. 

Once you have the base sorted, incorporate a child-safe mattress. If you’re looking for children’s mattresses that do what they say on the tin, you can find growth-supporting and safety-enhancing options at Silentnight. 

What age should a child sleep in their own bed?

The age a child sleeps in their own bed can range from 18 months to 3 years-old and onwards. The transition comes down to the child’s growth and development, as well as preference for the ultimate slumber. 

What is a cot bed?  

A cot bed has removable sides and end panels in comparison to a traditional cot. Often, cot beds can be converted into toddler beds once the time is right. The standard size of a cot bed is 75cm x 145cm. 

What age is a cot bed suitable for?  

A cot bed is designed for babies between 6-18 months, once they’ve transitioned from a moses basket. Babies can stay in a cot bed until they grow out of it, but the general consensus is between 18 months and 3 years old. 

What is the difference between a cot and a cot bed?  

The number one difference between a cot and a cot bed is their size. Cot beds tend to be larger, allowing children to stay in them for longer, which makes it a more cost effective option.  

We hope this article has given you peace of mind when maximising your child’s safety during their slumbers. If you enjoyed this read on safe sleeping for babies, why not check out our recent blog on getting your child into a healthy sleep routine.