WHAT ABOUT SIDS?

Babies who sleep on their stomachs have an increased risk of SIDS.

Since 1992, when the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all babies should be placed on their backs, the deaths from SIDS have declined dramatically. But sleep-related deaths from other causes – including suffocation, entrapment and asphyxia – have increased. It’s vital, then, that you comply with the following guidelines for the safety of your baby and to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS, no matter what sleep arrangement you choose.

CO-SLEEPING

■ Place your baby to sleep on his back or side. If you place him on his side, use a wedge to stop him from rolling over onto his tummy. A “snuggle nest” will keep him in his own space should anyone accidentally roll onto him – think about getting one.

■ Place your baby between you and your partner, and never on the edge of the bed.

■ Never share a duvet or pillow with your baby. Dress your baby in an extra layer to what you have on, and swaddle him. If he doesn’t like swaddling, a loose cotton knit blanket should suffice. Whatever happens, it’s imperative that he has his own set of covers.

■ Make sure that your bed is firm, almost as hard as a futon. A waterbed or a very soft mattress is a high risk factor.

■ Be careful not to overheat your baby with a hat, too many layers or heaters. Don’t sleep with an electric blanket on or place any hotwater bottles or happy huggers in the bed.

COT SLEEPING

■ Again, always place your baby to sleep on his back or side. Babies who sleep on their stomachs have an increased risk of SIDS.

■ Place your baby at the bottom of the cot so that he has room to shift up.

■ Never give your baby a duvet or a pillow. Dress your baby in an extra layer to what you have on and swaddle him. If he doesn’t like to be swaddled, then again, a loose cotton knit blanket will suffice. Soft toys should also be removed from the cot, and the official word on cot bumpers is that they’re not safe. There’s no evidence that they prevent injuries, and they pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation or entrapment.

■ Your baby’s mattress needs to be firm. Breathing holes in the mattress are irrelevant because your baby shouldn’t be face down anyway.

■ Be careful not to overheat your baby with a hat, too many layers or heaters. Don’t place an electric blanket or any hotwater bottles or happy huggers in the cot.