Helping my baby sleep safely

Babies can wake up in the night to feed and for comfort. They usually do not have a fixed sleep routine like most adults. Young babies have small stomachs, so they need to feed many times during the day and at night. Becoming a parent is a special time. As you get to know your baby, you will learn how to care for their needs. This can be rewarding, but it can also be tiring, especially when your baby wakes during the night or needs lots of feeds. If you need help or advice, speak to your health visitor.

Young babies sleep during the day and night. They usually sleep for short periods of 2 to 3 hours at a time. It can take several months for a regular day and night sleep routine to develop.

Follow safe sleep advice whenever your baby sleeps, during the day and at night. This can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, known as SIDS. Place your baby on their back in their own clear, flat and firm sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Keep the cot in the same room as you for the first 6 months. Use a firm, flat and waterproof mattress that is in good condition. Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered, and keep loose bedding out of their sleep space. Make sure your baby does not get too hot. Keep their sleep space smoke free.

Your baby may want to be held more when they are unwell. Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. If you think you may fall asleep while holding your baby, move somewhere safer such as the bedroom and make sure your baby is on their back in a clear, safe space free from bedding. Your baby may wake up more when they are unwell. Follow safe sleep advice every time to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Put your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months. Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition. Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby. Avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smoke, have been drinking alcohol, or have taken drugs that make you feel sleepy. It can be hard to know which products are safe for your baby. Check the useful links on this page for trusted advice about cots and sleep products.

Use these tips to keep your baby safe and comfortable while you’re out and about. Don’t cover your pram, buggy or travel system with blankets, cloths or any cover that stops the air flowing. They risk your baby getting too hot. Check your baby regularly to see if they’re getting too hot by feeling their chest or the back of their neck. If they feel clammy or sweaty, these are signs they’re getting too hot, so remove a layer of clothes and adjust the room temperature. Use a clip-on sunshade or parasol. This will provide shade while allowing air to circulate.  Keep babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible. When the weather is hot, it’s important to make sure that your child has plenty of  fluids. If you’re solely breastfeeding your baby, they don’t need any extra water until they start eating solid food. But during hot weather, they may want to breastfeed more than usual. Once they start eating solid foods, they will need extra water. At night try to keep rooms fairly cool, at 16 – 20°C if possible. Open the door and window if it’s safe to and close the curtains during the day. Use lightweight clothes and lightweight bedding, or even none at all. If you use a baby sleep bag check the guidance for which tog to use for the room temperature.