PHA Urges Safe Sleep Practices For Babies Over Christmas

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents and carers to prioritise safe sleep practices for their babies, especially during the busy Christmas period.

The PHA advises that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own cot or Moses basket, in the same room as their parents or carers. It's essential to maintain safe sleeping environments, even during festive celebrations, when routines may be disrupted.

Emily Roberts, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children at the PHA, emphasised the importance of consistent safe sleep practices, particularly during times of increased tiredness and potential disruptions to normal routines.

Please remember:

• Never sleep on an armchair or sofa with your baby. This is particularly risky.

• Never ever allow anyone to share a bed with your baby if they have been smoking, drinking alcohol or taken any drugs or prescription medication that would lead to heavier sleep.

If you do plan to share a bed with your baby, or if it happens unplanned, please ensure you:

• Place your baby on their back in a clear, flat sleep space

• Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby – to avoid obstructing breathing or over-heating

• Do not leave your baby alone in an adult bed

• Make sure your baby cannot be trapped, wedged or fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and wall • Do not have other children or pets sharing the bed as this may lead to suffocation or over-heating your baby.

Emily continued: "Remember, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own cot or moses basket in your room for the first six months. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, with feet touching the bottom of the cot. Also make sure that your baby does not get too hot as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. Keep an eye on the temperature in the room and adjust bedding and sleepwear accordingly as there is a higher risk of sudden infant death in babies who are over-heated.

"It is normal for your baby's hands and feet to feel slighter cooler than the rest of their body. If you think they are too hot or cold check their temperature by feeling the back of their neck – don't be tempted to increase the heating in your home to make them warmer.

"A room temperature of 16-20°C – with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bag fitted with neck and armholes, and no hood – is comfortable and safe for sleeping babies. Never put pillows, loose blankets, cot bumpers or sleep positioners in your baby's cot.

"By following these steps as part of a sleep-time routine they'll become second nature and help reduce the risk of sudden infant death.

"If you have any questions, no matter how small or trivial you might think they are, talk to your health visitor who can provide practical advice."