Safer sleep advice

If you are a parent, carer or are looking after a baby, it is important to know about safer sleeping for babies and how to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

South Tyneside Safeguarding Partnership is working with multi-agency practitioners on safety advice about safer sleep for babies, for all sleep periods, not just at night.

Tips on safer sleep for babies

See below some tips on how to keep your babies safe during sleep.

What you should do:

• Always put your baby on their back to sleep
• Keep your baby free from smoke during pregnancy and after birth
• Put your baby to sleep in a separate cot or moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months
• Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that is in good condition

What you shouldn't do:

• Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby
• Don't sleep in the same bed as your baby
• Avoid letting your baby get too hot
• Don't cover your baby's face or head while sleeping, or use loose bedding
• Avoid alcohol and drugs while caring for your baby

For more information and safer sleep advice, visit The Lullaby Trust: How to reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby