Every baby has it's own sleeping pattern. As a new parent it can take time to understand this pattern and establish a sleep routine. This can be tricky and tiring. Sometimes, it may seem easier to let your baby sleep wherever they have settled, however it might not be the safest option.

There are lots of things you can do to keep your baby safe whilst they are sleeping day and night. A great place to start is the Lullaby Trusts at ABCs for safer sleeping:

ALWAYS put your baby...
On their BACK...
In a CLEAR cot or sleep space free of bumpers, toys, pillows and loose bedding.

Following the ABCs for every sleep day and night will help to protect your baby from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS, previously known as cot death) giving you the peace of mind to enjoy this special time.

Car Seats and Safer Sleep

The Lullaby Trust advises it is essential for safety that babies travel in a car seat. However, it is recommended that you avoid travelling in cars with pre-term and young babies for long distances. Young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they travel while sitting in an upright position for too long.

It is recommend that babies should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours at a time and they should be taken out frequently.

If your trip involves driving for long periods of time, you should stop for regular breaks. This will allow you to take them out of the car seat and let them stretch and move around.

If your baby changes their position and slumps forward, then you should immediately stop, take them out of the car seat and sit them upright before continuing on your journey.

At the end of your journey it is safer to lift your baby out of the car seat, remove out door clothing and put them in their cot.

Toddler sleep

Most toddlers make the move from cot to bed anywhere between about 18 months and 3 years. However this will be different for every family.

Many parents make the change when their toddler is able to climb out or if they get too big to sleep comfortably in their cot. You'll probably be able to tell when your toddler reaches this stage, call us if you have any concerns.

What you can do to help

It is safer to have your baby sleep in their own cot in the same room as you for the first 6 months.

• Put your baby to sleep on their back with their feet at the bottom of the cot.
• Avoid using duvets, pillows, cot bumpers or pods/nests.
• Tuck in blankets so they are not loose.
• Do not leave your baby alone drinking from a bottle as they could choke.
• Resist putting toys and teddies where your baby is sleeping.
• Keep the room between 16-20 degrees and use a thermometer to monitor temperature.

• Stairs - protect your toddler by using well fitted stairgates to protect them from wandering or falling.
• When your toddler is using a bed remember to have secure latches on your windows. Doorframe wedges are a safe way to prevent your toddler from trapping their fingers.
• Avoid leaving your toddler alone with food or drinks whilst in their bed.

Tips for co-sleeping

• Babies should sleep in a clear space.
• Use a baby sleeping bag instead of loose bedding, such as pillows, sheets or blankets as these could cause them to overheat or block their airways.
• Avoid letting pets or other children sleep in the bed.
• Make sure baby won't fall out or get trapped between the mattress and a wall.

When not to co-sleep:
• If either you or your partner smokes.
• If either you or your partner has drunk alcohol or taken drugs.
• If either you or your partner has taken prescribed medication that might make you feel drowsy.
• You are extremely tired.
• Your baby was premature (born at 37 weeks or earlier).
• Your baby had a low birth rate (5 1/2 pounds or less).
• Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby

***If you are considering co-sleeping, we recommend you speak with a health professional for advice.***

Who can help?

If you’re worried about your child, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support. You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation. If your aged 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635 443

**Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays**

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Delivering excellence in Children and Young People’s Services:
a partnership between Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
Funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council

Safer sleep

What you can do to help

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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Healthy Child Programme

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