SIDS and the Back to Sleep Campaign - What You Need to Know

The Back to Sleep campaign was based on research by Professor Peter Fleming, who found a link between stomach sleeping and higher SIDS risk.

This national awareness campaign was highly successful, reducing cot deaths by over 85%. Such credit goes to the Lullaby Trust, who promoted this campaign.

The Key Guidelines

Room Sharing

Your baby should sleep in the same room as you for 6 months.

Sleep Position

Your baby should sleep on their back with feet to the foot of the bed, so if blankets are used, your baby cannot slip under them. With a sleep sack, your baby doesn't have to sleep feet-to-foot.

Bed Sharing Caution

It's important to avoid bed sharing if there's a risk of drowsiness - either through alcohol, drugs, or medication.

No Smoking

Smoking or vaping is not permitted in the same room as your baby. Preferably, not anywhere in the house.

Nap Position

Your baby should also sleep on their back even when having a nap.

Clear Sleep Space

The cot should not have bumpers, pillows, duvets, soft toys, or comforters. There should be no wedges or props (positioning aids).

Temperature

Ideal temperature: between 61°F and 69°F (16°C to 20°C).

Dummies

After breastfeeding is established, using a dummy for naps and bedtime may help reduce the risk of SIDS. Don't reinsert it if it falls out while your baby is asleep.

Sofas and Armchairs

It's high risk to sleep your baby on a settee, sofa, or armchair - this could greatly increase the risk of SIDS.

The Mattress Is Crucial

Most important of all is the mattress. This is where your baby will spend some 14 hours a day - about 2,500 hours in the first six months. The mattress must be firm and supportive so your baby lies flat and doesn't sink in.

Buying New or Used

When you buy a new Moses basket or crib, ensure the mattress meets your standards. Many are made to hit a price point - made of thin fibre or low-quality foam. They will NOT give the best support, comfort, or durability.

When mattresses are just described as "nursery foam" with no specification of weight or density, plus meaningless words like "hypoallergenic", buy with caution. These mattresses may dip and dent and need replacing. Read the reviews, especially on Amazon!

The same advice goes if you're buying a mattress for a secondhand Moses basket, crib, or cot. A good-quality mattress will last you for several babies.

Waterproof Protection

Your mattress needs to be waterproof - you don't want any fluids getting to the core. Read up about the effects of urine on flame-retardant foam and Stibine gas.

You can have a mattress that's both breathable AND waterproof by putting the waterproof protection under the breathable cover and over the mattress base.

There are some very clever mattress covers that offer temperature control and breathability, such as CoolMax backed with MaxiSpace, with a liner underneath to protect the mattress core. The standard approach is to put the waterproof cover over the mattress, but then you forfeit breathability.

Water Resistant vs Waterproof

On the subject of waterproof protection, there's a difference between WATER RESISTANT and WATERPROOF. Don't be hoodwinked into believing they offer the same protection!

Spare Covers

A spare mattress cover is handy. If any body fluids hit the cover, it can be changed at the same time as the nappy - this is only relevant if the waterproof liner is under the mattress cover.

Car Seats

Lastly, use your car seat for travel only. Car seats are not designed for prolonged sleep because your baby is not in a flat position.