Where should I put my baby’s cot?

The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is in a cot in your bedroom. Babies should never sleep next to a radiator, heater or in direct sunlight. Keep an eye on the temperature by buying a simple room thermometer (available for £2.75 from FSID, send your name, address and a cheque to: FSID Sales Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RT). Make sure your baby cannot reach cords on curtains or window blinds.

Can I use a duvet, quilt or pillow for my baby?

If your baby is under one year, do not use a duvets, quilt or pillow. Don’t use electric blankets or hot water bottles. Instead, use one or more layers of light blankets and clothing.

What kind of mattress should I use?

It is very important that your baby’s mattress is kept clean and dry. Ideally you should buy a new mattress for each new baby. If you are not able to do this, use the one you have as long as it was made with a completely waterproof cover (eg PVC) and has no tears, cracks or holes. Clean it thoroughly and dry it. Check that the mattress is in good condition; is firm, not soft; fits the cot without any gaps; and doesn’t sag. ‘Ventilated’ mattresses (with holes) are not recommended as it is not possible to keep the inside clean. Never sleep your baby on a pillow, cushion, bean bag or waterbed. Never sleep together with your baby on a sofa.

Can my baby share my bed?

There are dangers in bedsharing. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in your bedroom for the first six months. There is a proven risk in bedsharing if you or your partner smoke (even if you never smoke in bed or in your home), have been drinking alcohol, take drugs or medication that make you drowsy, or have had little sleep. Avoid bedsharing if your baby was born premature, low birth weight or is less than three months of age. If your baby does come into your bed watch out for accidents, use lightweight blankets and keep the baby’s head uncovered.

Can I use a sheepskin for my baby?

Research has shown that sheepskins are not risky if your baby sleeps on their back. As your baby starts trying to roll over onto their front, do not use the sheepskin.

My baby won’t settle on the back. What shall I do?

Babies settle easier on their backs if they have been placed to sleep that way from the beginning. If your baby won’t settle, take them out for a cuddle and try again.

My baby keeps rolling onto the front. What should I do?

If your baby is less than six months old and you find him sleeping on his tummy, gently turn him onto his back. Don’t feel you need to keep getting up all night to check on this. After six months, babies can usually roll onto their backs themselves, so leave him to find his own position. Whatever your babies age, always place them to sleep on the back.

Can I use a cot bumper for my baby?

In the past, there were concerns that bumpers might make babies too hot, increasing the risk of cot death. However, recent research has shown that they have neither good nor bad effects. Take it out when your baby can get up on hands and knees so they can’t climb out.

Is it ok to swaddle my baby?

People swaddle in different ways, using different weight materials. If you swaddle your baby, don’t cover the head and only use thin materials.

Can my baby use a sleeping bag/sack?

If you use a sleeping bag, it needs to be without a hood, very lightweight and the right size around the neck so your baby won’t slip down inside the bag. Never use with a duvet. To make sure your baby doesn’t become too hot choose a lightweight bag.

Can I use a Moses basket?

There is no research evidence on Moses baskets. If using a Moses basket, it should have only a thin lining. Follow the ‘reduce the risk of cot death’ advice at the end of this fact sheet.

How can I prevent my baby’s head from getting covered?

It can be dangerous if your baby’s head gets covered when she sleeps. Place her with her feet to the foot of the cot, with bedclothes firmly touched in and no higher than the shoulders, so she can’t wriggle down under the covers. If she wriggles up and gets uncovered, don’t worry.

Do movement (breathing) monitors prevent cot death?

Despite their widespread use there is no research evidence that monitors, also known
as apnoea or breathing monitors, prevent cot death. Babies can and do die whilst on a monitor. They are designed to sound an alarm after 20 seconds if they can’t detect a baby’s breathing movement. They may use sensor pads on the tummy, an elastic belt, a pressure pad under the baby or an ultrasound beam. They do not monitor air flow and therefore can not detect a blocked airway until breathing movements stop.

Is it safe for my baby to play on their front?

Babies should have plenty of opportunity to play on their front, so their muscles develop properly and to avoid misshapen heads. Keep an eye on them at all times.

Should I breastfeed my baby?

Yes, if possible. It’s natural and best way to feed your baby and increases resistance to infection.

Should my baby be immunised?

Have your baby immunised and go for checkups. Babies have minor illnesses. If your baby is unwell, make sure he is not too hot and drinks plenty of fluids - wake him for drinks if necessary. Don’t let people with colds get too near your baby, and if you’re unwell wash your hands before you pick him up. If you are worried, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your health visitor or doctor.

Is it okay to take my baby on an aeroplane?

There is no evidence that flying is unsafe for healthy babies. If you fly with your baby on either long or short flights, you should follow these guidelines: place your baby on the back to sleep, keep your baby cool, sit away from the smoking area on the plane and in the airport terminal, and make sure your baby takes appropriate feeds and doesn’t become dehydrated. If you have specific questions about your baby, e.g. if your baby is unwell or has a cold, speak to your doctor before travelling.

Is there anything I can do to reduce the risk of cot death?

• Cut smoking in pregnancy - fathers too!
• Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby 
• Place your baby on the back to sleep 
• Do not let your baby get too hot 
• Keep baby’s head uncovered - place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot, to prevent wriggling down under the covers
• If your baby is unwell, seek medical advice 
• The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is in a cot in your room 
• It is especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed if: 
• you or your partner are smokers (even if you never smoke in bed or
  in the home) 
• have been drinking alcohol 
• take medication or drugs that make you drowsy 
• have had little sleep 
• if your baby was born premature (born before 37 weeks) 
• low weight (less than 2.5kg or 51/2lb) 
• is less than three months old 
• It’s very dangerous to sleep together with a baby on a sofa, armchair or settee, and it is also risky to sleep a baby alone in an adult bed.

Last updated September 2006.
Information from http://www.fsid.org.uk/