Safe Sleeping Information

Much has been learned through research in recent years about keeping your baby safe. Here is the current advice:

  • The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a separate cot or crib in a room with you for the first 6 months of life. This applies to daytime sleeps too. Keeping your newborn close by means you can keep an eye on him and he can get your attention quickly if he needs you.
  • Use a clean, firm, mattress which fits the cot or crib well with no sagging and no gaps at the side. Ideally use a new mattress for each baby. Never use a second hand mattress if you don’t know it’s history.
  • Use cotton bedding, or a lightweight baby sleeping bag. Duvets and pillows are not recommended under the age of one. Cot bumpers should be avoided as they can contribute to a baby overheating, reduce airflow around the cot and baby could get caught up in the bumper.
  • Don’t let your baby get too hot. Use a room thermometer and adjust the layers of clothing and bedding according to the season and room temperature. Feel how warm your baby is by placing two fingers on his chest or the top of his back. He should feel the same as you.  Never judge how warm he is by his hands and feet. If he is sweaty or just feels hot, remove some layers. A baby who is too cool will cry and let you know. A baby who is too hot may not.
  • Never cover your baby’s head when sleeping and ensure there is no loose bedding he could pull over his face or head.
  • Using a dummy to settle your baby to sleep in his first 6 months may be beneficial-do not introduce a dummy at sleep time until breastfeeding is established, and gradually wean baby off the dummy after 6 months.
  • Ensure that any cords are out of your babies reach. For example light pulls and cords from window blinds and curtains.

The following things are especially dangerous:

  • Sleeping with your baby if you or your partner are smokers.
  • Sleeping with your baby if you are under the influence of alcohol or certain drugs which may make you drowsy/less responsive.
  • Sleeping with your baby if you are especially tired.
  • Sleeping on a sofa or armchair with your baby.
  • Sleeping with your baby if he is younger than 4 months, was small at birth, or was born before 37 weeks.

The above safe sleeping advice has helped to dramatically increase safety for babies at sleep time and cot death/SIDS is now much less common.

For more information on sleeping safety see the website for the Foundation For The Study Of Infant Death at www.fsid.org.uk. Or here is a link for the NHS website: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sudden-infant-death-syndrome/Pages/Prevention.aspx

Nutrition for babies

Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of your baby's life. Breastfeeding can also continue during and beyond the introduction of solid foods.

When you are breastfeeding, good nutrition is vital for you and your baby. Continue with the healthy diet you were following during pregnancy and try not to skip meals.

Combining breast and bottle feeding can affect your breast milk supply.

If you decide not to breastfeed, this decision may be difficult to reverse if you change your mind.

For further advice on feeding options, always contact your health visitor or midwife.

*No.1 claim refers to Philips AVENT overall brand

Based on December 2010 TNS online satisfaction survey conducted among more than 10,000 female users of childcare brands and products in the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Russia and China.

 

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