Back is best
Evidence shows that babies that are put to sleep on their backs are twice as safe as those that are put on their side and six times safer than those put on their front. Therefore babies that sleep on their backs are safest from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS - cot death). Information below is on "back is best" and is taken from the leaflet produced by Education for Change Ltd. Ask your LMC for the leaflet or to visit their website: Click Here
Will my baby choke if put to sleep on the back?
Evidence shows that reflexes such as gagging and swallowing are stronger when babies sleep face up. Sleeping babies are conscious and will protect their airway with reflexes such as gagging and swallowing.
Clear face and Flat Heads
The baby's face and hands are important for breathing and cooling. It is therefore important to keep face and head clear and ensure they don't get covered during sleep. For information to prevent flat head: Click Here
Back is best because it gives:
- best protection from SIDS (cot death)
- best chance to breathe easily
- best chance to protect the airways
- best position to prevent rolling of the baby to the front
- best position to prevent slipping under the covers
- best chance to cool if a baby gets too hot
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Ways to keep baby safe while sleeping are:
- Use a firm and clean mattress that is snug fit - no gaps
- Avoid soft surfaces like water beds and bean bags
- Tuck the baby securely so the baby is safe from loose covers, duvets or pillows
- Give baby air to breathe that is free from smoke
- Vary the resting position of baby's head sleep by sleep
- Make sure the face and head stay uncovered
Exceptions
There will be babies with special needs such as very preterm babies that will be put in different sleep positions as a part of their care for a time. These are exceptions. When they are over their problems the best sleep poistion is on their back. Your LMC or doctor can advise you.
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