As new parents, we worry about everything but nothing is more important than where and how our babies sleep. The importance of sleep safety for babies isn’t just about rest, it’s about protecting precious little lives. A few simple choices can drastically reduce the risk of harm during sleep. From firm mattresses to safe sleep positions, these decisions matter more than most realise. Written by Good Night, child and sleep consultancy.
Safe sleep should be one of the first things parents are concerned about when creating their child’s sleep environment. It is vitally important and often neglected (forget about décor and theme for now!). Here are my top tips for safe sleep.
The most well-known facts:
- Always place your baby on his back to sleep, for naps and at night. The single most effective action parents can take to lower a baby’s risk of SIDS is to place the baby on his back. This is especially important for premature babies, who are at higher risk for SIDS.
- Keep the cot area clear. Don’t use pillows, blankets, sheepskins or crib bumpers anywhere in your baby’s sleep area. The same goes for soft objects, toys and loose bedding. If you feel your baby is cold, dress them appropriately and use a safe, tog-rated sleeping bag.
- Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered with a fitted sheet. Make sure that there is no space between the cot and mattress where your baby can get wedge in.
- Beware of overheating your baby. The temperatures in South Africa, even in winter, are quite high. Overheating can increase your baby’s risks of SIDS. Use a safe tog-rated sleeping bag and cotton clothes. Fluffy baby blankets can keep heat in and make your child very uncomfortable.
“Treat your toddler’s room with the same respect and safety levels as you did for your baby’s cot and make their environments safe for them.”
The lesser-known safety risks I find are often associated with older babies and toddlers. Once we stop worrying about SIDS, we sometimes forget that it is NOT the only thing to worry about.
- Remember not to put the monitor in your baby’s cot. There is electricity connected to it and mobile children can pull these appliances over, or even worse put it in their mouths. The monitor should be out of the cot and also out of reach.
- Move the cot to the lower level when your baby is about four or five months old. Babies are top heavy and as soon as they can look over the side they can fall out. Sitting up can happen very quickly!
- The cot bumper can be used as leverage. Once your little one can stand, the cot bumper can pose a different risk. Babies can use it to leverage themselves over the side of cot.
- Put things out of reach. When babies are small, it is great to have all the bum creams, medicines and creams on hand at the changing table or in their room. Make sure that when your baby/toddler stands up in their cot all these things are out of reach. Once they can move about alone in their room, these things should rather be stored in a safe cabinet in another room.Pictures on the wall, standing laps and decorations should be kept out of reach of the cot. The cot is for sleeping and not for playing, so rather move mobiles over to the changing area. As soon as babies can sit or stand, they can also pull down any mobiles.
- Keep in mind that once your child can move around, the room should be made safe. Loose furniture such as chairs and bookshelves will be used as crutches to stand up against and if these are unstable, they can fall over onto your little one.
- Due to safety reasons, the best time to move your toddler to a big bed is between two-and-a-half and three years. You don’t want your toddler to be able to roam around their room or your house while you’re sleeping. Treat your toddler’s room with the same respect and safety levels as you did for your baby’s cot and make their environments safe for them. Close the door or put a safety gate up so they aren’t able to go exploring on their own.
Also read:
Sleep training – setting the scene
5 steps to good sleep hygiene
BabyYumYum FAQs: The Importance of Sleep Safety for Babies Explained
Why is sleep safety so important for babies?
Safe sleep practices significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related accidents. Creating a safe environment helps your baby sleep more securely and gives you peace of mind.
Where should my baby sleep?
Babies should sleep in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months, on a firm, flat mattress with no soft bedding or toys.
What is the safest sleeping position for a baby?
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, never on their tummy or side. This is the safest position for reducing the risk of SIDS.
Can I share a bed with my baby?
Co-sleeping carries risks, particularly if you’re very tired, have consumed alcohol or medication, or if your baby was born prematurely or with a low birth weight. Room-sharing is a safer alternative.
What should go in my baby’s cot?
Only a fitted sheet on a firm mattress – no pillows, duvets, blankets, cot bumpers, soft toys or loose bedding. Keep the cot clear to avoid suffocation or overheating risks.
How do I know if my baby is too hot or too cold?
Feel their chest or back, not hands or feet. Babies should be dressed in light layers, and the room should be kept between 16–20°C. Use a baby sleeping bag appropriate for the season.
Are sleep positioners or wedges safe?
No. Sleep positioners, wedges, and nests are not recommended as they can increase the risk of suffocation. Always follow safe sleep guidelines from reputable sources.
What if my baby rolls onto their tummy during sleep?
Once your baby can roll both ways independently, you don’t need to reposition them but always start every sleep on their back, and keep the sleep space clear.
Is swaddling safe?
Swaddling can be safe if done correctly. Use a lightweight blanket, keep baby’s hips loose, and stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling over.
Can I use a dummy during sleep?
Yes, offering a dummy at naptime and bedtime may reduce the risk of SIDS. If your baby doesn’t want it, don’t force it. You don’t need to replace it if it falls out once they’re asleep.
How often should I check on my sleeping baby?
While there’s no fixed rule, it’s natural to check regularly especially in the early weeks. Using a baby monitor can offer reassurance, but isn’t a substitute for safe sleep practices.
Disclaimer: This content is for general parenting support and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or health visitor if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep or safety.
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