I briefly talk in this post about the importance of your little one being on their back in a clear space for every sleep. However, I didn't fully delve into why this is so important for our littlest people. 

The Lullaby Trust is a great source of clear information about all things 'safe sleep' but, since you're here:

Babies have very delicate airways that can easily become blocked or restricted especially when taking into account how heavy their heads are proportionally in relation to the rest of their body. We want to avoid situations that increase the chance of your baby's airway being blocked off, narrowed or folded, all of which can mean breathing becomes tricky.

Some ways in which this can happen include:

• Loose and soft fabrics i.e. loose blankets, the sides of nests/pods (often sold for sleep but very much not safe!), teddies and other comforters - all of these risk blocking baby's airway i.e. by covering their nose or mouth

• Tummy/prone sleeping or positions that wedge a baby against something or someone all put pressure on baby's chest and airway, meaning less air can get in

• Positions that encourage baby's chin to rest on their chest i.e. in swings, hammocks, car seats risk baby's airway folding, which reduces the flow of oxygen baby receives. Of course, sometimes it's not possible to move baby straight away e.g. if in a moving vehicle. But, transferring baby as soon as possible to a safer, flat position, is advised. 

This is why the ABC's are so useful, reminding you to Always sleep baby on their Back in a Clear space with nothing around them that could cover their face. Ensuring the sleep surface is firm and flat is also important.

Clear baby's sleep space

You little one doesn't need anything in their cot except themselves. Using wearable blankets i.e. sleeping bags and swaddle sacks are useful when it comes to keeping baby cosy but keeping the space free of anything that could become loose. A clear cot means there is minimal risk to baby's airway. If using a blanket, make sure baby is positioned with their feed to the foot of the bed (feet to foot), the blanket is tucked in at all sides and doesn't reach beyond baby's shoulders.

Place baby on their back for every sleep

A baby on their front is putting pressure on their chest and airway which means airflow is restricted, especially if the surface they are on is too soft. 

Sleep surfaces should be firm and flat

It's frustrating feeling the need to move/disturb a sleeping baby but you should move them to a firm, flat surface if they are not on one. This means their head is prevented from slumping forward onto their chest and their mouth and nose are uncovered. This is why The Lullaby Trust encourage parents to keep their little ones in a bassinet style buggy/pram/stroller for the first year, when SIDS risks are highest, as this allows baby to be flat on their back while out and about, compared to the more upright position babies are often transitioned to before they turn 1. In terms of firmness, baby's mattresses are generally firmer than most adult mattresses which is why it is not recommended generally to let your little one's sleep unsupervised on an adult bed where their airway is more at risk of being blocked as they cas sink into the fabric more.

Babywearing is one of my favourite ways to nap babies when they're little but this also needs to be done safely to ensure their airway is always protected. Following safe babywearing guidance will help make sure baby is in the safest position while they snooze on you. It is also very important, therefore, that you remain awake when sleeping with baby on you and avoid situations where you might fall asleep and be unable to keep an eye on them.