- It is important to always lay your baby on their back
- Their feet should be touching the foot of the cot. This is so they can’t slide down under the covers with the blankets covering their face
- Make sure the room temperature is 17-19°C
For more information click here for the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID)
How much sleep is enough?
Every baby is different, so there’s no point in comparing your baby with someone else’s. Some sleep for long periods, others have lots of little naps. Some sleep most of the day, others seem to need very little sleep
Sleeping pattern
- In the early weeks, your baby will probably have a sleeping pattern that doesn’t fit with yours
- Often they will sleep more in the day, less at night
- Grab sleep when you can. Try to sleep when your baby does, whatever time of day
- Avoid the temptation to do housework when your baby sleeps, it’s more important you get rest
- Don’t tiptoe around when your baby is sleeping, it’s better that they get used to sleeping with noise
Creating a night-time environment
If you want your baby to have their longest sleep at night, there are things you can do to help them understand that night-time is different from daytime. Making sure they are fed well during the daytime can make a real difference. Giving the evening feed in a darker environment should help them settle for a good night’s sleep
Creating the right environment for night feeds
- Try giving your baby a bath in the evenings, so they begin to recognise the end of daytime and the start of night-time
- Dim the lights
- Talk quietly and as little as possible
- Once you’ve fed, winded and changed your baby, put them down to sleep straight away
Helping your baby settle
- If they get used to falling asleep at your breast or in your or your partner’s arms, you might find it harder to settle them alone later. This may be unavoidable in the early days. But remember, the more they get used to this, the harder it’ll be for them to settle alone
- If you want your baby to get used to nodding off alone, you may want to put them down when they’re still awake right from the start