SLEEP FACTS

■ It’s myth that cot deaths only happen in cots, and sudden infant death (also called SIDS) can happen anywhere, at any time. In fact, the majority of “cot” deaths in America happen on couches.

■ Smoking both during pregnancy and after, has been linked to SIDS.

■ The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that infants should be immunised. Immunisation is believed to reduce the risk of SIDS by 50 percent.

■ New research indicates that a dummy might help to reduce the risk of SIDS, so you could give one to your baby at nap- and bedtime.

■ Hammocks are a good idea if your baby has reflux or is a hypersensitive sensory baby, as they like to be curled up, and it helps them to sleep. Ultimately, though, you want your baby to be flat against gravity for gross developmental milestones, says Meg Faure, leading baby expert and co-author of popular baby books Baby Sense and Your Sensory Baby. So if you have an unfussy baby, rather go for a flat surface because essentially, sleeping in a hammock is like having your baby fall asleep in a swing or car seat, which is not great for them. Slings are fine too, she says, but always keep an eye on your baby while he’s asleep in one, and make sure that he has plenty of oxygen.

For practical reasons, some parents might have no choice but to put their babies in their beds, and it’s unfair to make them feel guilty for doing what they have to do.