Safer Sleep Week : A Safe Space for Every Baby
As parents, the instinct to protect our babies is ingrained. Ensuring their safety is a natural priority, especially when it comes to their sleep. It's an essential aspect of parenting to create a safe, secure and comfortable environment for our little ones.
Safer Sleep Week
This week, 11th to 17th March 2024, is Safer Sleep Week, hosted by The Lullaby Trust.
Who is the The Lullaby Trust
The Lullaby Trust offers advice to promote safer sleep practices, aiming to reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In addition to providing guidance for preventing SIDS, the organisation extends support to families who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a baby or child due to SIDS.
Their annual campaign is directed towards anyone caring for a young baby. Its aim is to increase awareness about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and offer easily understandable advice to minimise the risk of it occurring.
Back To Sleep
The positive news is that since the initiation of the Back To Sleep campaign in 1991, the rate of SIDS has decreased by 81%. However, it's sad to note that approximately 3 babies, totaling 168 every year, in the UK still die from SIDS each week. Every loss is one too many. If all parents were well-informed about the risks, it could lead to the prevention of more babies' lives from being tragically lost.
Safest place for your baby to sleep
This year's theme is the safest place for your baby to sleep. It's essential that every baby has a secure sleep spot. Put simply, it should be a flat and firm sleep surface, like a Moses basket, cot, crib, bassinet or carrycot, without any padding or cushioned areas such as pillows or cot bumpers, and no loose bedding. To make it even safer, take out soft toys from the sleep space.
This precaution is important because infants' airways are especially vulnerable in those first few months. Adhering to these guidelines ensures keeping their airways open, reducing the risk of suffocation, and preventing SIDS.
How to choose the perfect sleep space
The market is flooded with various baby products claiming to be designed for sleep, but it's crucial to be aware that some of them may pose risks to infants. By sticking to the straightforward rule of providing a flat and firm sleep space, you can confidently make an informed choice about the safest sleep environment for your baby.
Can I bedshare with my baby?
Yes, absolutely! But always follow safer sleep advice. If you do plan to co-sleep with your baby, it's essential to have a Moses basket, cot, crib, bassinet, or carrycot nearby. This alternative sleep space is in case your usual circumstances change, such as when you or your partner have taken medication that may cause drowsiness or if either of you has consumed alcohol.
Is a baby carrier safe for sleep?
Again yes! When using a baby carrier ensure you follow the T.I.C.K.S. rules for safe babywearing,
TIGHT - Slings and carriers should be tight enough to hug your baby close to you.
IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES – you should always be able to see your baby’s face by simply glancing down.
CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS – your baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable.
KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST – a baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing.
SUPPORTED BACK – in an upright carry a baby should be held comfortably close to the wearer so their back is supported in its natural position.
Click on this link http://babyslingsafety.co.uk/ticks.pdf for further details and advice.
Every family should have a safe space for their baby to sleep.
If you find yourself without access to a cot or Moses basket, please reach out to the Lullaby Trust for guidance. They can provide assistance on what to do and offer advice on creating a safer sleep space for your baby.
Find out more
For additional information on the campaign, downloadable resources, and fundraising, please visit https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/about-us/safer-sleep-week.
