Safer Sleep Week (10th - 16th March) is a yearly campaign by The Lullaby Trust, a charity that aims to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) through education on safe sleep. Since their inception, they have reduced the risk of SIDS deaths by 80%. At Shnuggle, we’re proud to say that our award-winning sleeping products pass all crib safety standards, but the conversation doesn’t stop there. Using the Lullaby Trust’s advice, we’ve gathered 5 ways you can create a safe sleeping environment for your baby.
Co-sleeping
Co-sleeping has many benefits for you and your baby, helping to create a bond and allowing your little one to sleep peacefully beside you offering you both a feeling of relief and security. However, it’s important to create a safe co-sleeping environment. Although the title suggests that co-sleeping means sleeping alongside your baby, it is vital that your baby has their own space to sleep in. Technically, this is called ‘room-sharing’. Your baby can be placed in a co-sleeper crib, traditional cot or moses basket and this should be placed beside your bed. Room sharing is vital as your baby should be with you for the first 6 months - as detailed by the Lullaby Trust - no monitor can replace you being by your baby’s side.
Sleeping position
Your baby’s sleeping position is just as important as the cot you place them in as certain sleeping positions can restrict your baby’s airways. The ideal sleeping position for your baby is to place them on their back and ensure the surface (mattress) they are sleeping on is firm and flat.
Cot clear
Although it may seem that your baby’s crib looks sweeter filled with cuddly toys and blankets, it can cause a danger to them if they happen to pull these items on top of them or if the items should fall on them. The Lullaby Trust’s advice is to keep your baby’s cot clear of any objects such as cot bumpers, blankets, duvets or pillows, soft toys or any objects designed to keep your baby in a sleeping position (wedges etc). Essentially, the only things that should be in your baby’s cot are them, their mattress and a correctly sized sleep bag or swaddle. If you are using sheets and blankets tuck your baby in, ensure that this is firmly done to avoid them coming loose. These should not be above shoulder height. Alternatively, you can use a sleep bag based on your baby’s weight, make sure to check the product recommendations before use.
Mattress matters
A breathable, firm and flat mattress allows your baby to regulate their temperature and sleep soundly and comfortably. In addition, your mattress should be waterproof or have a waterproof sheet. Not only does this help to keep the mattress clean, it helps reduces the risk of any moisture / mould forming to keep them at an optimum temperature.
Room temperature
Keeping your baby at a comfortable temperature will help aid a peaceful sleep and help prevent any risk of SIDS. The risk of SIDS is higher in babies who are too warm so it is paramount that they are kept at a neutral temperature. The ideal temperature for baby is 16 - 20 degrees. A room thermometer can help you monitor the temperature of the room your baby is in and can help you make adjustments if the room is too hot or too cold. If you are worried your baby is too hot make sure to check the back of their neck to see if they feel clammy - as this is an indication they are overheating. To cool your little one down, remove items of clothing. If you are worried your baby is too cold, you can add an additional lightweight blanket or add another piece of breathable, lightweight clothing.
How Shnuggle helps safe sleep
At Shnuggle, we want all babies who use our products to sleep soundly and safely and we designed them with this in mind. Our award-winning Air Lite Bedside crib ensures your baby can co-sleep comfortably beside you in their own space. Some features included that help your baby have a safer sleep are;
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Our Air Lite crib is tested to the latest crib safety standard BS EN 1130:2019 and low level rigid option allows for safe co-sleeping
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The mesh sides allow for maximum airflow
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The breathable mattress paired with our waterproof sheet allows for comfortable and secure sleep
Additional extras
Outside of our safety features, our ‘whisper quiet’ drop down side allows you to have access to your baby without disturbing them creating a peaceful co-sleeping experience. Our incline option can also help provide night time and nap time relief to your baby suffering with colic or reflux. The large storage hammock can help you stow away all those night-time feed must haves.
Every year we love to show our support for the Lullaby Trust’s Safer Sleep Week through our blogs and social media. To find out more about safe sleeping you can read our articles below and some extra advice from the Lullaby Trust.
Shnuggle safe sleep
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Safer Sleep Week: Essential Guide to Reducing SIDS Risk
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Shnuggle Dreami Moses Basket: Keeping Baby Close
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Safely Co-sleeping With The Shnuggle Air Crib
Lullaby Trust resources
