Sleep Safety: Ensuring a safe nights sleep for your baby

How often do you put your baby to sleep and worry about her safety? Do you put your ear close to her head to check she’s okay? Rest assured, there are various things you can do to keep your baby safe when she’s sleeping.

Sleeping position

Although the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is much reduced after six months, it's still a good idea to put your baby to sleep on her back. Just don't be surprised if she doesn't stay there. After six months, your baby is likely to roll around at night, and she's also much better at getting her head free of the bed to breathe well.

Keeping your baby safe when she’s asleep by doing the following:

· Keep fluffy bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals out of your baby's crib.

· Keep breastfeeding if you can.

· Control the temperature around your baby; dress her lightly - keep her warm but not too warm.

· Smoking in your baby's room is big no – in fact, it should never happen anywhere near her.

· Be sure your baby's mattress is clean and firm and fits the bed tightly.

· The bedding should fit the mattress closely, too.

Crib notes

Are you sure your baby's crib is safe?

If you bought it new, you don't have to worry – all modern cribs have to meet federal safety guidelines. Two facts to keep in mind:

- Cribs made before 1985 may have slats that are too far apart (more than 2 and 3/8 inches) and could trap your baby's head.

- Cribs with leaded paint (which is very common in cribs finished before 1972) should be stripped and repainted with a sturdy enamel.

Keeping your child safe when she’s asleep is crucial to your child’s wellbeing and your own peace of mind.