Creating a safe sleep environment for your baby is crucial in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). At Síoda, we understand the importance of safe sleep practices and want to help parents make informed decisions for their little ones. The HSE offers expert guidance on how to create a safe sleep environment, and we’ve gathered the key points to help you ensure your baby’s safety.
1. Always Place Your Baby on Their Back to Sleep
According to the HSE, “The safest way for your baby to sleep is on their back, with their feet at the foot of the cot.” Placing your baby on their back from the very beginning of every sleep, whether during the day or night, is essential in reducing the risk of SIDS.
2. Ensure Your Baby Sleeps on a Firm, Flat Surface
The HSE advises parents to ensure that “your baby’s mattress should be firm, clean and flat with no raised edges.” Soft surfaces, such as pillows or cushions, are dangerous and should never be used as they can increase the risk of suffocation.
Sioda - (When using our Mulberry Silk Cot Sleeve, it is important that it fits tight & secure on the mattress do not use it if loose.)
3. Keep the Sleep Area Free from Loose Bedding and Toys
“Do not use pillows, duvets, bumper pads, or soft toys in your baby’s cot,” states the HSE. The sleep environment should be kept clear of loose bedding, pillows, or any objects that could obstruct your baby’s breathing or create a suffocation hazard.
4. Maintain a Comfortable Room Temperature
The HSE recommends that you “keep the room at a comfortable temperature, between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius.” Overheating is a significant risk factor for SIDS, so make sure your baby is not too warm. Dressing your baby in light sleep clothing and using breathable materials like silk can help prevent overheating.
5. Share a Room, Not a Bed
The HSE encourages room-sharing but advises against bed-sharing: “The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in your room for the first 6 months.” Sharing the same room allows you to keep an eye on your baby, but it is essential that they sleep in their own cot or bassinet.
6. Avoid Smoking Around Your Baby
One of the most critical factors in reducing SIDS risk is ensuring a smoke-free environment. The HSE states: “Do not smoke during pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.” Exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown to significantly increase the risk of SIDS.
7. Consider Using a Pacifier
While it’s not a necessity, the HSE mentions that “using a soother (dummy) at the start of every sleep can reduce the risk of cot death.” However, if your baby does not want a pacifier or it falls out during sleep, there is no need to reinsert it.
How Our Silk Cot Sleeve Fits into Safe Sleep Guidelines
At Síoda, our silk cot sleeve is designed with your baby’s safety and comfort in mind. Made from naturally hypoallergenic and breathable silk, our cot sleeve provides softness, to help prevent baby bald spots.
Sizing is perfect for most standard sized cot mattresses (58cm x 30cm with polyester stretch panel, 36cm stretching to 45cm), adhering to the HSE’s recommendation to keep the cot free from loose bedding or soft items. (Do not use if it is not tight and secure on the mattress)
Creating a Safe Sleep Environment with Sioda
At Síoda, we are committed to supporting parents in creating the safest possible sleep environment for their babies. Following the HSE’s safe sleep advice, along with using safe, breathable materials like silk, ensures your baby sleeps soundly and safely.
For more information on safe sleep guidelines from the HSE, visit HSE Safe Sleep Guidelines
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/cot-death/safe-sleep-position/