From safer sleeping positions to creating the right environment, these simple practices can help your little one sleep more safely and comfortably.

Sleep can quickly become one of the biggest concerns for new parents. Between wondering whether your baby is sleeping enough, waking frequently or finally settling for the night, there is already plenty to think about. But beyond how much your baby sleeps, creating a safe sleeping environment is especially important during their first year.

While every baby’s sleep patterns are different, there are a few simple practices parents and caregivers can follow to help make sleep safer. Here are seven things to keep in mind when putting your little one down for the night or a daytime nap.

Sourced from Pexel Images

1. Always place your baby on their back

Your baby should be placed on their back for every sleep, whether it is a quick daytime nap or bedtime at night. According to UNICEF, putting babies to sleep on their backs significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Once your baby is able to roll independently from their back to their front and back again, they can find their own sleeping position, but you should still place them down on their back when sleep begins.

2. Keep their sleeping space clear

A cosy-looking cot filled with blankets, pillows and cuddly toys might be tempting, but when it comes to safe sleep, simpler is better. Your baby’s sleeping space should be clear of pillows, toys, cot bumpers and loose bedding that could cover their face or interfere with their breathing. A clear sleeping area gives your little one a safer space to rest.

Sourced from Pexel Images

3. Choose a firm, flat surface

Where your baby sleeps matters just as much as their sleeping position. Babies should sleep in their own clear, separate space on a firm and completely flat surface, without raised or inclined areas. Keeping their sleeping environment simple and suitable for infant sleep is one of the most important ways to make bedtime safer.

4. Keep your baby close during the first six months

For the first six months, UNICEF recommends keeping your baby near a caregiver during both daytime and nighttime sleep. This allows you to remain close while your little one rests in their own safe sleeping space. Having your baby nearby can also make those frequent feeds, nappy changes and nighttime wake-ups a little easier to manage.

5. Make sure your baby does not get too hot

Babies need to be comfortable while sleeping, but piling on extra layers is not necessarily better. Choose clothing and bedding that suit the weather and temperature where you live, and make sure your baby’s head remains uncovered while they sleep. This can help prevent them from becoming too hot and reduces the risk of their face or head becoming covered.

6. Keep your baby’s environment smoke-free

Creating a safe sleeping environment extends beyond the cot itself. Babies should be protected from tobacco smoke both before and after birth, as exposure is associated with a higher risk of SIDS. Keeping your home and the spaces your baby spends time in smoke-free is an important part of protecting their health and creating a safer environment for sleep.

Sourced from Pexel Images

7. Create a calm bedtime routine

As your baby grows, they will gradually begin learning the difference between day and night. A calm environment can help them recognise that nighttime is for rest. After feeding, burping and changing your baby, try keeping voices soft, gently rocking or bouncing them, or singing a lullaby before putting them down. The routine does not need to be complicated. Simple, consistent cues can help create a calmer transition into sleep.

There is no single age at which every baby suddenly begins sleeping through the night. Babies’ sleep cycles and needs change as they develop, and waking during the night can be a normal part of infancy. Rather than comparing your baby’s sleep to someone else’s, focus on creating a safe, comfortable environment and following consistent sleep practices.

Caring for a baby while running on very little sleep can also be exhausting. If you begin to feel overwhelmed by prolonged crying, place your baby somewhere safe and give yourself a few minutes to regain your composure. When possible, ask a partner, family member or trusted friend for support so that you can rest, too. And if you are concerned about your baby’s sleep or wellbeing, speak to a healthcare professional for guidance.