ESC (safe sleep)

Introduction

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – sometimes known as “cot death” – is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.

In the UK, around 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year. This statistic may sound alarming, but SIDS is rare and the risk of your baby dying from it is low.

Most deaths happen during the first 6 months of a baby’s life. Infants born prematurely or with a low birthweight are at greater risk. SIDS also tends to be slightly more common in baby boys.

SIDS usually occurs when a baby is asleep, although it can occasionally happen while they’re awake.

Source: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

What is Every Sleep Counts?

Every Sleep Counts (ESC) is a programme to help support parents and carers to understand the safe sleep messages recommended for your baby to help reduce the incidence of sudden Infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Points to remember:

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own cot or Moses basket.
Always place baby on their back to sleep, with their feet to the foot of the cot.
Do not place pillows, cot bumpers and soft toys in the cot.
Do not cover the baby’s face or head or use loose bedding.
Use a firm, flat waterproof mattress in good condition.
Do not use ‘sleep positioners’ including wedges, supports or straps that prevent the baby moving.
Baby should sleep in their own cot, in the same room as parents for the first six months of life (day and night).
Avoid allowing baby to become too hot. A room temperature of 16-20C with light bedding is recommended.
Do not sleep or nap with baby on a sofa or armchair.
Do not use a car seat, swing, bouncy seat, stroller, baby carrier or infant sling for routine sleep.
When purchasing baby equipment please check that it complies with British Standards.
Please do not EVER fall asleep with your baby, on any surface, if yourself or anyone sleeping with you has drunk alcohol, taken drugs, smoked, or taken medicines that may make them sleepy. It is a criminal offence if an adult who has consumed alcohol and/or a prohibited drug causes the death of a child under three years of age through suffocation by overlaying whilst sleeping.
Do not sleep with baby if they were born prematurely or weigh under 2.5kg or 5.5lbs when they were born, as risks are increased.
If you feed baby in bed, please place them back in their own cot afterwards.
Keep your baby’s environment smoke free during pregnancy and after the birth.
If possible, breastfeed your baby as this reduces the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

For parents who have previously co-slept:

Every sleep matters, even if you have previously co-slept with your other children, it is still important to follow the safe sleep advice at all times.

Watch the short film on safer sleep for babies:

Support available

If you have any questions or concerns about your baby and safe sleep, you can talk to your midwife or health visitor.

The Lullaby Trust – Provides safer sleep advice and support for bereaved families. Telephone the information line: 0808 802 6869 or email: info@lullabytrust.org.uk.

Resources

ESC Safest place for me to sleep leaflet or scan the QR code below:

ESC leaflet QR code

Caring for my baby plan – This template can be used to plan ahead for some common scenarios, such as going on holiday, long car journeys, leaving baby in the care of someone else etc.

Useful links

The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep advice for babies and support for families.

BASIS – Baby Sleep Information Source – For parents who wish to make informed choices about infant sleep and night-time care.

Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk) – Provides information and resources to improve the health of children and young people in Dorset and Hampshire.