Safe Sleep Guidelines for Newborn Babies

At Love To Dream™, we know that nothing matters more than your baby's safety - and your peace of mind. Creating a safe sleep routine isn't just about today's nap or tonight's bedtime, it's about building habits that protect and comfort your little one for years to come.

What is Safe Sleep for babies?

Creating a safe sleep routine for your baby is crucial. Safe sleep is putting your baby to sleep on their back with the face and head uncovered. They must sleep on a clean and flat mattress that is the correct size for the cot/bassinet.

You must always remove toys, loose objects, and blankets from the cot/bassinet before sleep.

How Can I Make My Baby’s Sleep Space Safer?

Always remove loose bedding, pillows, toys, and blankets from the crib or bassinet. Ensure the mattress is firm, clean, and fits well

Why Does Safe Sleep Matter?

Since launching the “Back to Sleep” campaign in 1994, safe sleep practices have helped reduce SIDS rates by over 50%. While the exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, following these guidelines can significantly lower the risk.

Setting up your Sleep Space

Here are some key things to remember and guidelines to follow when setting up a safe sleep space for your baby:

What does a safe sleep environment look like? A safe sleep environment is a firm flat mattress, free from blankets, toys, with a tight well-fitted sheet and clear from any hanging or easily accessible items.

Sleeping Position Place your baby on their back for every sleep, day and night. This consistent position promotes safer sleep habits and reduces risks of rolling.	Clear Crib Keep the crib free of bumpers, toys, and loose bedding to help prevent your baby's head from becoming covered, supporting safer sleep.	Room Temperature  We do not recommend a certain room temperature for safe sleep but using a TOG rated swaddle and following a dressing guide can help to prevent overheating.
Breastfeeding Breastfeeding offers protective benefits that support safer sleep. The longer you continue, the greater safety benefits for your baby.	Smoking Avoid smoking during pregnancy and keep your baby's environment smoke-free to reduce sleep-related risks and promote safer sleep.	Multiples & Twins Whether sleeping together or separately, following safer sleep practices for each baby promotes their safety and well-being, day and night.

What are unsafe sleeping arrangements?

You must follow safe sleep guidelines when putting your child to sleep. The below actions must be avoided, as they will put your child at an increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome):

• Putting your child to sleep on their tummy or side.
• Putting your child to sleep on a soft mattress or a mattress that does not fit the cot/bassinet correctly.
• Putting your child to sleep on a sofa or bunk bed.
• Allowing your child to become too hot or too cold during sleep.
• Putting your child to sleep in a separate room to you during the first six-12 months.
• Co-sleeping.
• If you/a family member/partner smoke or smoked during pregnancy.

What are the common risks that impact safe baby sleep?

From the use of excess blankets to a cot that does not meet current safety standards, find common risks that can impact safe baby sleep below:

• Excess blankets, loose objects, and toys can be a suffocation hazard.
• An unsafe cot/bassinet that does not meet current safety standards.
• Hot drinks/food left near the cot.
• Pets left unsupervised around your child.
• Loose cords near your child's sleep space such as curtains, blinds, wires, or electrical cords.

Top Tips

6. Seek Support

If you're unsure about any of the above safety recommendations for newborn sleep, please contact your trusted health professional. If your baby is irritable, excessively crying, or unable to settle, it's recommended that you seek support from a health expert.