Infant safe sleep: How to put a newborn to sleep safely

Safe sleep to prevent SIDS: Guidelines for parents

According to the NHS, around 200 infants die this way every year across the UK.¹ While this can sound quite alarming, SIDS is quite rare, and it is unlikely that your infant will be at risk. Regardless, it is important to be aware of the potential risk factors, to further reduce the likelihood of it occurring.

Here are some of the factors you should consider ensuring for a safe sleep to prevent SIDS and other sleep associated risks:

1. Sleeping position
   
   It is quite widely known that young infants sleep a great deal, but did you know that their sleeping position can affect their safety? The safest way for infants to sleep is on their back (also known as the supine position). Research has shown that this sleep position can significantly reduce the risk of cot death, so avoid placing your infant on their front or side when it’s time for them to sleep.² 
   
   As your baby gets older, they will be able to roll over onto their front and back themselves. Once they reach this milestone, you will no longer need to worry about them rolling over while sleeping.¹
   
   
2. Sleeping location
   
   “Are cots safe for newborns?” Placing your infant in a cot or moses basket during their night sleep or naptime is one of the safest ways for infants to sleep. However, the cot must be firm, flat and clear of anything that could lead to an increased risk of suffocation.² Some things you should exclude from your infant’s cot are:
   
   • Pillows
   • Bedding and duvet covers
   • Toys
   • Cot bumpers
   
   You may also be wondering how to safely co-sleep with your newborn. Generally, it is not advised to share a bed with an infant at all. However, in cases where this cannot be avoided, it is recommended to:
   
   • Keep any bedding such as pillows and blankets away from your infant
   • Ensure they sleep on their back
   • Ensure they cannot fall from the bed or become trapped
   • Do not allow anyone else in the bed, such as older children or pets
   
   
3. Temperature
   
   Apart from the right set up for your baby to sleep in, the temperature is also important. The recommended room temperature for young babies is 16 °C to 20 °C. Your infant should sleep in a room with a comfortable room temperature and light bedding, as the risk of SIDS is higher when infants overheat.¹ Investing in a room thermometer can help you judge the sleeping environment to ensure it is comfortable and cool enough for your baby.
   
   
4. Smoking
   
   Other factors may also increase the risk of sudden death during a baby’s sleep. A woman who smokes 1 to 9 cigarettes a day during her pregnancy is more than four times more likely to have an infant die from SIDS compared to a woman who does not smoke at all during her pregnancy.² Therefore, you should:
   
   • Avoid smoking during pregnancy
   • Avoid being around other people who are smoking while you are pregnant
   • Do not smoke or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby at any point
   • Avoid sleeping in the same bed as an infant if you smoke
   • Quit smoking entirely
   
   
5. Breastfeeding and dummies
   
   Breastfeeding offers multiple long-term benefits for both mother and child, including providing essential nutrients for the infant and fostering an emotional bond. Breastfeeding can also lower the risk of SIDS. Typically, mothers are advised to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of their infant’s life.³
   
   If you choose to bottle feed your infant, but follow infant safe sleep guidelines, it is highly unlikely that SIDS will occur.
   
   Giving an infant their dummy while they sleep is also thought to reduce the risk of SIDS; however, it is recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established.⁴ Learn more about dummies and their pros and cons here.
   
   
6. Baby monitors
   
   Another step you could take to ensure a safe sleep for infants is using a baby monitor. These devices can alleviate a lot of anxiety for parents concerned about their infants’ safety during naptime and bedtime, as it can allow you to keep an eye on them from a distance. You can find models such as the Philips Avent Video Baby monitor, which enables you to hear and see your infant clearly, day or night, within an indoor range of up to 300 metres*. But remember that it is recommended to sleep in the same room as your infant for at least the first 6 months.¹
   
   The Philips Avent Connected Baby Monitor uses state-of-the-art technology to make the invisible visible, for your peace of mind. This premium model features cry detection and translation, helping you interpret your infant’s cues from a distance. Alongside this, you can also monitor the room temperature and connect to the Philips Avent Baby Monitor+ app, which allows you to feel reassured about your infant’s safety whether at home or on the go.
    

In this infant safe sleep guide, we’ve explored the importance of safe sleep for infants and how to put a newborn to sleep safely without concerns for their safety. Remember that the risk associated with SIDs is very low. By considering some of this professional advice, you can significantly minimise any potential harm to your baby while they rest.

Do you want to stop nursing your baby to sleep? Check out our guide on breastfeeding your infant to sleep.

* The operating range of the baby monitor varies depending on the surroundings and factors that cause interference.