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Keeping your baby safe
As parents, we naturally want to keep our babies safe from harm.
However, there might be things that we do or things in our environment that could potentially cause harm to our little ones that we’ve never considered before. Therefore, it can be useful for parents, and anyone looking after children to become aware of potential risks and understand how to keep babies and children safe.
Safe sleep
Following safe sleep advice reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, firm separate sleep space (e.g. a cot or Moses basket) in the same room as you.
- Lie your baby on their back.
- Keep their cot clear
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress.
- Keep baby smoke-free.
- Avoid your baby getting too hot.
- Sleep your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months.
Safe Sleep resources:
- Baby safety | The Lullaby Trust
- Baby and newborn sleeping advice - Best Start in Life - NHS
- Caring for your baby at night leaflet - Baby Friendly Initiative
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - NHS
- ICON: Babies cry, you can cope Provides advice and support to parents on how to cope with a crying baby
You can also speak to your midwife or health visitor for more information and support.
Second hand smoke
Second hand smoking, also known as passive smoking, can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death syndrome (SIDS).
Second-hand smoke is toxic. When you smoke indoors, second-hand smoke lingers in the air for hours – long after you can see it or smell it.
It doesn’t matter how careful you think you are, by opening windows, standing at the door as the smoke seeps back into the room and even under doors
Accident prevention
Did you know? More accidents happen at home than anywhere else!
Every parent wants their child to stay safe, but with many potential risks in the home to think about, accidents can happen easily and when we least expect them. However, these can be prevented by following simple safety advice.
Accident prevention for children under five focuses on creating a safe environment and supervising babies and children to prevent the top five hazards: falls, burns/scalds, choking/suffocation, poisoning, and drowning.
Accident prevention resources:
- Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) Provides detailed age-specific safety advice and tips for parents as well as this handy Safety pack for parents
- NHS Website Provides guidance and advice on baby and toddler safety