Safer Sleep Week - The Early Years Academy

Safer Sleep Week: A Guide for Parents by Establishing Safe and Restful Sleep

In collaboration with Daisy Ferns, founder of Lavender Blue Sleep Consulting and The Parenting Experts Academy

Safer Sleep

At The Early Years Academy, we understand how important it is for parents to feel confident that their baby is sleeping safely, both at nursery and at home. Safer Sleep Week is a great opportunity to refresh our knowledge and ensure we’re following the latest guidelines to reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

What is Safer Sleep?

Safer sleep practices are evidence-based guidelines designed to create the safest possible sleep environment for babies. These practices significantly reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related accidents.

Top Tips for Safer Sleep at Home

1. Place Your Baby on Their Back to Sleep
Always put your baby on their back for every sleep, whether it's nap time or bedtime. This position is the safest and has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

2. Keep the Sleep Environment Clear and Uncluttered

Use a firm, flat mattress in a cot or Moses basket.
Avoid loose bedding, pillows, cot bumpers, or soft toys in the sleeping area.
Ensure the cot sheets fit snugly and cannot come loose.

3. Control Room Temperature
Babies should sleep in a room with a temperature between 16-20°C. Use lightweight blankets or a baby sleep bag with an appropriate tog rating for the season. Avoid overheating by:

Not covering their head or using thick bedding.
Keeping their sleep space away from radiators and direct sunlight.

4. Sleep Your Baby in the Same Room as You for the First Six Months
Whether it’s day or night, keeping your baby close helps reduce the risk of SIDS. Their cot or Moses basket should be placed next to your bed.

5. Avoid Sleep Positioners or Wedges
These products claim to keep babies in certain positions but can pose suffocation risks. Instead, always follow safe sleep positioning guidance.

6. No Co-Sleeping if There Are Risk Factors
While some parents choose to co-sleep, it is never safe to do so if:

You or your partner have consumed alcohol or taken medication that causes drowsiness.
You smoke or have recently smoked.
Your baby was born prematurely or had a low birth weight.

7. Use a Dummy for Sleep (If You Choose To)
Some studies suggest that using a dummy can reduce the risk of SIDS. If you choose to use one, introduce it at nap and bedtime but don’t force your baby to take it.

8. Never Sleep on Sofas or Armchairs with Your Baby
This is one of the highest risk factors for SIDS. If you feel drowsy, always place your baby in a safe sleep space before resting.

How We Ensure Safer Sleep at Nursery

At The Early Years Academy, we take every step to ensure babies sleep safely in our care:

✅ We always place babies on their backs to sleep unless there is a medical reason not to.
✅ We provide a clear, safe sleep space—no loose blankets, cot bumpers, or soft toys.
✅ We regulate room temperatures and monitor babies while they sleep.
✅ We follow individual sleep routines agreed with parents, ensuring consistency between home and nursery.

If you have any questions about sleep safety at home or nursery, we are always happy to help!

Creating the Ideal Sleep Environment

To help your little one sleep soundly, consider these simple adjustments to their sleep space:

Keep it dark: Aim for a 7-8 out of 10 in darkness, where 10 is pitch black. If a nightlight is needed (from around 18 months at the earliest), opt for warm colours like red or amber rather than cool colours like blue or white.
Remove distractions: Mobiles, projectors, and stimulating objects can keep your baby engaged when they should be winding down.
Use continuous white noise: White noise can prevent light sleep disturbances from household sounds. Keep it running all night for consistency.

Common Sleep Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

It’s completely normal to face difficulties with your child’s sleep. In fact, a study by The Lullaby Trust found that nearly 60% of parents reported their baby (up to 12 months) rarely slept for more than four hours at a time. My own daughter was still waking four to five times a night until we discovered sleep-trained when she was four —so I truly understand how exhausting it can be!

Practical Tips for Parents

Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Children thrive on repetition, so doing the same things in the same order each night helps signal sleep time.
Prioritise daytime sleep. Many little ones I work with aren’t getting enough sleep in the day, making night-time sleep even harder.
Limit screens and sugar before bed. Avoid both for at least an hour before bedtime—watch out for hidden sugars in fruit and yoghurt!
Seek support when needed. A sleep consultant can provide expert guidance, reassurance, and a personalised plan to improve your child’s sleep.

Final Thoughts

By following evidence-based sleep strategies and staying consistent, you can create a safe, comfortable, and predictable sleep environment for your baby. For trusted guidance on safe sleep practices, visit The Lullaby Trust.

If you’d like to chat about improving your child’s sleep, visit lavenderbluesleepconsulting.com - Daisy would love to help!

Ready To Experience The EYA Way For Yourself?

Book a visit to one of our nurseries today and see how we create a home-away-from-home for your child.