breastfeeding<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is likely to have a direct protective effect against SIDS. We strongly encourage breastfeeding which has many other health benefits for both the baby and the mother.<\/p>\nIV. Immunisation<\/h4>\nGet your baby fully immunised<\/h5>\n
Get your baby fully immunised. Recent evidence has shown that\u00a0immunisation<\/strong>\u00a0can prevent infection and reduce the risk of SIDS.<\/p>\nThe following circumstances can be particularly dangerous for your baby while bed-sharing:<\/h4>\n\n- The baby sharing the same bed with you is\u00a0premature<\/strong>, has\u00a0low birth weight<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0younger than 4 months old<\/strong><\/li>\n
- The baby sleeps with a\u00a0smoker<\/strong>\u00a0or the mother smokes during pregnancy<\/li>\n
- The\u00a0carer sharing the bed<\/strong>\u00a0with the baby has\u00a0reduced alertness<\/strong>\u00a0due to tiredness, alcohol or drugs<\/li>\n
- Use of\u00a0soft mattresses<\/strong>,\u00a0loose bedding<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0fluffy objects<\/strong>\u00a0like pillows on the bed, or placing your baby to sleep on soft sofa, waterbed, couch or armchair, etc. These may cover the baby’s face or head, particularly when the baby rolls onto his front<\/li>\n
- The baby shares a bed with\u00a0someone other than his parents<\/strong>\u00a0(e.g. other children or adults)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
FAQs<\/h3>\n(1) To make breastfeeding easier, should I sleep with my baby?<\/h4>\n
Some mothers may need to breastfeed frequently; the best way would be to place the baby’s cot directly next to your own bed. In this way, whenever he needs, you can breastfeed the baby either sitting or lying on your bed. Put the baby back to his own cot after he is satisfied. By doing so, it is not only convenient but also brings the following benefits:<\/p>\n
\n- You can sleep better and you don’t need to worry about the baby’s safety when he sleeps in his bed.<\/li>\n
- It can reduce the risk of SIDS by avoiding sharing a bed with the baby.<\/li>\n
- It helps the baby develop a healthy sleeping habit without the need to rely on suckling on the breast to fall asleep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
(2) Does my baby need a baby pillow?<\/h4>\n\n- Babies usually sleep well without a pillow.<\/li>\n
- Research shows that large soft pillows increase the risk of SIDS and these are not recommended for babies. There is limited evidence as to whether small baby pillows are safe or dangerous.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
(3) Should my baby use a dummy to reduce the risk of SIDS?<\/h4>\n\n- Research has shown that babies who use a dummy have a reduced risk of SIDS.<\/li>\n
- However, dummy use may increase the risk of otitis media.<\/li>\n
- Dummy may affect some babies when they first learn to suckle the breast. So if you are breastfeeding, you may consider giving your baby dummy after he is more than 1 month old to ensure that breastfeeding is well established.<\/li>\n
- Use dummy only when settling the baby to sleep, and there is no need to put it back once your baby drops the dummy during sleep.<\/li>\n
- Do not force your baby to use a dummy.<\/li>\n
- Do not coat the dummy with any sweetened solutions. Clean it often and replace it regularly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
(4) How to reduce my baby spit up when I put her to bed?<\/h4>\n
Many newborn babies spit up a little after feeding, during burping, or when lying down because their digestive tracts are immature. To help decrease chances of spitting up, avoid overfeeding your baby. Stop feeding when the baby shows cues of fullness. Always burp your baby after feeding and when she takes a short break during the feed. Keep her in an upright position for 10 to 20 minutes before putting her down on bed helps to reduce spitting up. There is no need to raise the baby’s head on bed. Putting your baby to bed on her back is considered one of the best things you can do to help prevent SIDS and will not increase choking in newborn babies. So you don’t need to worry about this sleep position.<\/p>\n
If your baby is unwell, please seek advice from your doctors.<\/p>\n
Points to Note for Keeping Baby Safe during Sleep<\/h3>\n\n- Put baby to bed on his back with his face and hands not covered<\/li>\n
- Smoke-free environment<\/li>\n
- Avoid putting objects at where your baby sleeps<\/li>\n
- Baby sleeps in a cot with you in the same room<\/li>\n
- Use firm mattress<\/li>\n
- Comfortable temperature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"