Safe sleep is a big issue with expectant and new parents, which creates a lot of conversation, questions and concern especially because there is a lot of conflicting information, as well as opinions, out there.
If you are having your first baby, you might not even be too sure what you are preparing for because the reality of baby sleep isn’t known to you yet.
When it comes to safe sleep, it’s important to prepare for your baby being in a cot, in a next-to-me crib and in your bed because these could be realistic options for you.
expectations in this country are that a baby will sleep in a cot or Moses basket - some babies do, others absolutely will not. It’s important to know how to do this safely - where to place the cot, mattresses, what bedding to use and what position your baby should be in.
three sided cribs are very popular now as they give babies their own space but they can see and be close to you in bed. In addition to the cot safety, it’s also important to consider how this attaches to your bed and whether there are any potential hazards.
bed-sharing/co-sleeping - this is more of a taboo subject and parents can be much more secretive about whether they co-sleep. I try to have open conversations with parents about co-sleeping, so it is safe and so they know they are not alone in doing this. The Lullaby Trust states than 9 in 10 parents will co-sleep at some point - the key is to be prepared and to do it safely.
Research by the infancy and sleep centre at Durham University found that
co-sleeping is as safe as a cot sleeping when it is prepared for in advance - the hazards come when it just ends up happening because parents are exhausted.
Co-sleeping can be considered a bad habit and dangerous and it can be difficult to feel confident about choosing to do it or having to do it to get some sleep. And there is a reluctance for the NHS and for health visitors to include information about it - this seems to be changing but information and support continues to be patchy. So it really does make a difference to arm yourself with more knowledge so you can follow safe sleep guidance, wherever your baby sleeps.
There’s good information about guidance and evidence at:
Lullaby Trust and Basis and you can also access the baby sleep guide (password: member2023).
Please do leave any comments and questions and you can also arrange a consultation with me to focus on your baby preparation if you are pregnant or a new baby session if your baby is here.
I will be writing more posts about safer sleeping this week.