Safe Sleep Week always feels like a good moment to pause and revisit the little things that help keep our babies safe. Sleep can bring up so many questions for parents, especially in those early months when everything feels new and you’re learning as you go.
The reassuring thing is that safe sleep doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the safest sleep spaces are usually the simplest ones.
Here are a few gentle reminders to help keep your little one safe while they sleep.
What is the safest sleeping position for baby?
The safest position for your baby to sleep in is on their back (sometimes called the supine position). Research from around the world has shown that placing babies on their backs significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Unless you’ve been advised differently by your doctor for medical reasons, babies should be placed on their backs for every sleep, both naps during the day and sleep at night.
If you start this from the very beginning, it quickly becomes part of your routine. Before long, your baby becomes used to settling this way and it simply becomes their normal way of drifting off to sleep.
What should be in a baby cot?
When it comes to your baby’s sleep space, less really is more.
Your baby should sleep on a firm, flat mattress that is waterproof. Waterproof protection helps prevent bacteria building up in the mattress and supports good hygiene. The mattress should always stay flat; there’s no need to tilt or incline it.
Sometimes you might hear suggestions to raise the mattress slightly if your baby has reflux or a cold, but this isn’t recommended and doesn’t help.
Keeping the cot simple is one of the easiest ways to create a safe sleep environment. Ideally, the cot should only include the essentials. This means avoiding:
- Pillows or duvets
- Cot bumpers
- Soft toys or comforters (for babies under 12 months)
- Heavy or bulky bedding
- Pods or nests
A clear sleep space helps ensure that nothing can cover your baby’s face or interfere with their breathing.
If you’re ever unsure when buying baby sleep products, it’s helpful to check that they meet British safety standards.
What if my baby rolls over in their sleep?
As babies grow, they naturally become more active during sleep. At some point, your baby will start learning to roll.
Once your baby can roll from their back to their front and back again on their own, they may begin finding their own sleeping position.
The first few times this happens; many parents feel the urge to gently roll them back and that’s completely understandable. But once babies can move both ways independently, they’re usually able to reposition themselves safely.
During the day, you can support this development by offering plenty of supervised tummy time, which helps strengthen the muscles they need for rolling and moving.
How long should baby share a room with parents?
For the first six months, it’s recommended that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for both naps and night-time sleep.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t step out of the room to grab a drink or pop to the bathroom. It simply means that your baby’s sleep space should be in the same room where you are sleeping or spending time.
It’s also worth remembering that no device or monitor replaces being nearby.
What temperature should baby’s room be?
Temperature plays a role in safe sleep too. The ideal room temperature for babies is between 16°C and 20°C.
Because it can be difficult to judge this by feel alone, many parents find a room thermometer really helpful. You can also check if your baby is comfortable by gently feeling
You can also check if your baby is comfortable by gently feeling their chest or the back of their neck. This will give you a better idea of their temperature than their hands or feet, which often feel cooler (and that’s completely normal).
How many layers should baby wear to sleep?
If your baby feels hot or sweaty, simply remove a layer of clothing or bedding.
A few helpful things to remember:
- Weighted swaddles or blankets are not recommended for babies under one year old
- Babies shouldn’t wear hats indoors, as they release heat through their heads
Every baby is different, so these temperatures are simply a guide. Always follow the guidance provided with your baby’s sleep products too. Little dreams has collaborated with Jo Jo Maman bebe on a sleeping bag guide.
Keeping things simple
When it comes to safe sleep, the message really is simple: back to sleep, a clear cot, and a comfortable room temperature.
These small habits quickly become part of everyday life, and they help create a safe, calm space where your baby can rest and grow.
If your little one is struggling with sleep, please do get in touch.
