As a new parent, you’re often swamped with advice that spans generations. And although some of those safety measures may have passed the test in the 90’s, things have changed a lot since then!
We’ve found the most up to date advice from The Lullaby Trust, NHS & The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to share with you for Baby Safety Month - covering all the activities you’ll be sharing with your baby in their first year - from sleep to play.
Safe sleeping for babies
As a new or expecting parent, you’ll be well aware of the risks of SIDS (sudden instant death syndrome), that whilst uncommon, can still occur and has changed the way we put our babies to bed today. The Lullaby Trust is a charity that exists to help educate parents on safe sleep and continues to research best methods to lower the risk of this happening. With that said, they’ve come up with an acronym for safe sleep advice which is simple and easy to remember - you just need to know your ABC!
Always sleep your baby
on their back
in a clear cot or sleeping space.
This advice alone can help keep your baby safe and reduce the risk of SIDS. Your baby should be in the same room with you for the first six months and it’s vital you maintain a clear cot during this time. Toys, bumpers, pillows and heavy blankets are all unnecessary items to be present in your baby’s crib and can be dangerous if they pull them on top of themselves. By placing your baby on their back, you help keep their airways open. A firm, flat mattress can also assist with this. The Shnuggle Air Lite mattress has been tested to the latest British Safety Standard BS EN16890 (a higher standard than BS 1877) and BS 7177. It also has a fibre core rather than foam found in a lot of crib mattresses, which offers improved airflow. Co-sleeping with your baby (having them sleep in their own space in the same room with you) can also help reduce the risk of SIDS as you can check on your baby regularly, especially within the first 6 months when they are most vulnerable. When choosing a crib, it’s vital that you check that it has been tested to the relevant safety standards. Our Air Lite bedside crib for example, has been tested to the latest BS EN 1130:2019 crib safety standard. If your baby sleeps in a Moses basket or carry cot throughout the day, check that your baby’s bed conforms to British Standards such as EN 1466 for carry cots and stands which our Dreami Moses Basket is tested to. To learn more about safe co-sleeping, find out more here.
Safe bathtime for babies
When it comes to bathing your baby, the most important, non-negotiable advice is that you never leave your baby unattended - not even for a second. With this in mind, preparation is key. Before starting your baby’s bath ensure you have everything you need to hand including a towel, fresh clothes, a nappy and anything else you need to change and dress your baby. Your baby can be bathed in your own bath when paying attention to the water levels. Our Shnuggle Baby Bath has a water level indicator that shows you where to fill your water to, as does our Newborn Bath Support. Your baby’s bath water should feel warm, but not hot. The ideal temperature should be between 37-38 degrees which is just slightly higher than their normal temperature. Use your elbow to test the temperature and give the water a swirl to avoid hot spots. Just like baby’s bath water, the room you're bathing your baby in should also be warm. A bath thermometer can also help indicate whether your bath is too hot or too cold for your little one. When babies are newborn they struggle to regulate their temperature - and keeping the room and bath a cosy temperature is recommended.
Safe changetime for babies
Changing your baby’s nappy can be a struggle - especially if they’re a wriggler! But there is key safety advice to pay attention to. The best place to change your baby is on the floor, either on a changing mat, blanket or towel according to the NHS. If you are changing your baby at a changing table or station at home, ensure that you have everything you need near you as babies can roll over even at a young age. Having an upstairs and downstairs well stocked nappy caddy if your home has two floors can also be beneficial to minimise leaving your baby on their own. Distracting your baby with a toy can reduce their fussing and wriggling - allowing you to change their nappy effectively and prevent any accidents from happening.
Safe playtime for babies
Up to 6 months, your baby’s playtime may seem minimal but you should be vigilant for toy parts that may become loose / broken - especially if they are hand-me down's from siblings! If giving your baby teething toys, ensure that they are made from food-grade materials so they are safe for them to have in their mouths and are BPA free. Check the packaging / label of your baby’s toys to confirm they are age appropriate. As your baby starts to crawl and attempt to walk - rugs should be taped down / include an anti-slip underlay to prevent falls. Likewise, loose wires / charging cables should be out of reach from grabby hands that are suspiciously strong!
Shnuggle and safety
At Shnuggle, our products undergo rigorous safety checks to ensure they are safe for your baby. Our products are not only tested in house by our compliance team but we take the additional step of having all our products independently tested by third party testing companies to ensure the highest level of safety for our customers.
Our Air Lite Bedside Crib is not only award-winning but is tested to the latest BS EN 1130:2019 crib safety standard. Our firm, hypoallergenic mattress supports safe sleeping practices and the secure bedside attachment prevents gaps for added safety. The breathable mesh sides ensures improved airflow, and allows you to see your baby softly sleeping for extra comfort. Our well-loved Shnuggle Baby Bath is made from BPA-free, non-toxic plastic and we now even have a version made from 98% recycled plastic. It complies with the EN 17072:2018 standard. The ergonomic design allows your baby to sit comfortably alongside the innovative bum bump and foam backrest. The non-slip base also helps to prevent slipping on wet surfaces and provides an extra layer of stability. When it comes to change and playtime, our Squishy Changing Mat is made from baby safe PU foam - and our Stick n Play sensory & teething toy is BPA free and made from food grade silicone. So in short, we’re always looking for ways to make parenthood that little bit easier and much safer with our innovative products.
To find out more about baby safety, follow our links below;
