Safe Sleep
Lullaby Trust provide information and advice on safer sleep.
- Lie baby on their back
- Keep the cot clear
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress
- Keep baby smoke-free
- Avoid baby getting too hot
- Sleep baby in the same room as you for at least the first 6 months
- It is important to make sure that your baby is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold. The chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is higher in babies who get too hot.
- A room temperature of 16-20°C, with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleep bag, is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies.
If your baby is crying
ICON is all about helping people who care for babies to cope with crying.
- Infant crying is normal
- Comforting methods can help
- It’s ok to walk away
- Never, ever shake a baby
It is normal for babies to cry. It is a way of expressing that they are not happy. Some babies cry more than others and it can be confusing and overwhelming for the parents and carers. Speak to someone, such as family. friends, midwife, GP or health visitor, if you need support.
Safety
Child Accident Prevention Trust provides information about how to prevent serious accidents.
It is important for children to explore and experiment in a safe environment but you must adhere to safety practices to prevent serious accidents that could harm your baby. Some dangers can include:
- Threats to breathing – choking, strangulation, suffocation
- Burns
- Poisoning
- Falls
- Drowning
- Pet safety