Your Baby&#39;s Sleeping Environment

!±8± Your Baby's Sleeping Environment

Ensure your baby has a safe and happy sleeping environment

Your newborn baby needs a safe and comfortable sleeping environment in their first few months; having these also helps you catch up on the sleep you've been missing out on. We have put together some tips keeping safety in mind to help you and your baby sleep happily and healthy. There are important factors to consider in your baby's sleeping environment. Baby's room, mattress and bedding for baby, how you should position your baby in bed and when to make the move from cot-to-bed. Read the tips below and help give your baby a safe and happy sleeping environment.

Your baby's room

Studies have shown that the risk SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is decreased when your baby sleeps in the same room as you during the first few months from birth The correct temperature is important in your baby's room, NHS advises the range of temperature should be between 16C - 20C The room should be completely smoke-free Baby's like to sleep quite so ensure no windows or doors are left open to noise causing disturbance to your baby's sleep Wires or cords in the room should be safely tucked away to avoid danger Ensure baby's cot is positioned away from objects your baby could use to pull-up on as he or she grows

Putting your baby to bed

Your baby should lay flat on their back unless advised otherwise from a healthcare provider studies have shown this decreases the risk of SIDS To prevent moving or wriggling down the cot blankets should be tucked in with the baby's feet at the foot of the mattress

Baby's bedding

Ensure bedding is well ventilated so your baby can breathe freely All bedding should be fire-proof No hot water bottles or electrical blankets in baby's bed The surface should be flat / firm without the need for a pillow Cotton cot blankets should be used, duvets can be used when your baby is at least a year old Ensure baby's head is uncovered with bedding only up to the chest

Making the move from cot to bed

It can be a difficult decision to make when your baby is ready to make the move from cot to bed, if him or her stand and top rail of the cot is below the chest it is usually a general rule that it's time to make the move.