Over the years, health experts have learned new ways for parents and carers to provide the safest sleep environment for their babies and young children. 2as1 has listed some practical ideas to help you achieve this:

• Babies should always sleep on their back.
• Put babies into the cot with their feet at the bottom of the cot.
• Place cots away from curtain cords, ropes which baby could get tangled in, power points, windows, pictures and mirrors.
• A baby in a pram or stroller should not be left unattended and should be correctly harnessed in.
• Never smoke in the same room as a baby or young child as they will be exposed to passive smoking.
• Never sleep with your small child, especially if you under the influence of any drugs (tranquilising medication or alcohol) as these chemicals lessen your arousability from sleep.