Baby Sleep | SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Co Sleeping

You'll receive all sorts of advice about whether you should allow your baby into your bed. Often, when you are feeding your baby it is convenient and relaxing to feed him while you are lying in bed. However, after the feed it is preferable to place him back in his cot, even if this is right next to your bed. Research shows that there is a small risk of babies being accidentally suffocated by sleeping adults rolling onto them in bed, so sleeping in bed with baby should be avoided.

As For You

Don't forget about your own needs. Try to take advantage of the times when your baby's asleep by having a nap yourself. Don't worry if the housework slides a bit. If there's a choice between sleep and doing the washing up, for example, take the sleep. Accept help from relatives and friends if you need to.

Remember, despite your new role as a mum, you are still an individual, with your own needs. If you need an hour or two to yourself, this does not make you a bad mother.

Sudden Infant Death

It's natural for new parents to worry about their babies, is he getting enough to eat? is he too hot or too cold? why is he crying? is he sick?

And of course, one of the major concerns is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death. This is the sudden, unexpected death of a baby for no known reason. While research is still being done to determine the causes for SIDS, the following precautions can be taken to lessen the risks for your baby.

put your baby to sleep on his back as the risk is increased if the baby sleeps on his stomach.
keep his head uncovered during sleep. Remove quilts, doonas, pillows or cot bumpers from his cot as these should be avoided during the first year. Soft toys should also be removed from the cot.
don't smoke during pregnancy and don't allow other people to smoke near your baby. Research has shown a mildly increased risk of cot death in babies whose parents smoke.
breathing monitors for babies are not generally recommended except for particular babies who have higher possible risks of cot death. However, you can purchase a breathing monitor for your baby if you wish to do so.
overheating may slightly increase the risk of SIDS. Babies don't need much more bedding than adults, a good guide to how much to use, is to think about what you would need to wear to feel comfortable if you were lying motionless in the room, then add a layer. This should ensure your baby is warm enough.

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