Warning issued over the mistakes parents make trying to keep babies warm as temperatures drop

Families have been advised of everything they should NOT do, while trying to keep their babies warm during the cold snap

Health experts have issued a warning to parents – to ensure their babies are sleeping safely to prevent sudden infant death, as temperatures drop.

Parents have been reminded where is safest for babies to sleep, as well as issuing guidance on correct bedroom temperatures.

Experts have also reminded parents what type of bedding is safest to use and advised how to keep babies warm by using extra layers of clothing.

• Rishi Sunak launches new plans to crackdown on term-time holidays
• Child Benefit change to ‘help single parents’
• Primark's 'versatile and stylish' coat looks just like Claudia Winkleman's
• Shoppers snap up £4 bargain in Primark that’ll keep you cosy in winter
• Full list of all benefits that will qualify you for the DWP's £299 payment

'The safest place for your baby to sleep'

The advice, which comes from the Public Health Agency (PHA) states that the use of a Moses basket or cot in the same room as their parent or carer is the best place for a baby to sleep.

The guidance states that extra layers of clothing be added to babies who are cold at night and that sheets and blankets be tucked in, no higher than the shoulders, to avoid overheating.

Experts also say room temperatures should be between 16 and 20 degrees with light bedding or a lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bag fitted with neck and armholes, and no hood.

'The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back in a Moses basket or cot in the same room as you for the first six months, even during the day,' the health agency said.

New parent?

Our BABY development emails are just what you need

Email address

When was your baby born?

Are you the mum, dad, partner, grandparent, surrogate?

Mum Dad Partner Grandparent Surrogate

How many children do you have?

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+

I agree to Netmums processing my Sensitive Personal Data for the purpose of sending me Pregnancy Newsletters.

Please tick if you would like to receive news, offers and information from our trusted and carefully selected partners that we think you might like.

I have read and understood Netmums' Privacy Notice and Terms & Conditions

Sign up

The PHA also advises against the use of duvets or any adult bedding to cover babies as this can lead to them overheating.

Instead, the PHA's instructions say: 'place your baby to sleep on their back in the ‘feet to foot’ position (feet touching the bottom of the cot)' and 'use a light blanket firmly tucked no higher than the baby’s shoulders and a clean, firm, well-fitting mattress'.

'It is really important to keep your baby’s sleep environment safe'

Emily Roberts, the PHA's nurse for safeguarding children, said: 'It is really important to keep your baby’s sleep environment safe throughout the winter months.

'Especially when there may be a temptation to add more blankets or to bring very young babies into bed with you for extra heat.'

Emily explained that following these simple steps could help reduce the risk of sudden infant death.

She added: 'We know that babies are unable to fully regulate their body temperature so keep an eye on room temperature and adjust their bedding or sleepwear accordingly.'

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Lullaby Trust (@lullabytrust)

Need advice?

Our health visitors and nursery nurses are online Monday to Friday evenings to answer your queries on feeding, sleep and child health.

Ask our experts now

What temperature should my baby's room be?

The NHS offers similar advice for parents of babies in its 'Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)' guidance.

As does Netmums' Health Visitor and Head of Support Tracey Stone.

'The guidelines for safe sleeping remain the same all year round, but with just some added awareness of what may be needed as we deal with this cold snap,' Tracey advises.

'The main reason why it's important to make sure your baby's temperature (and the temperature of the room) is correct is because babies are unable to regulate their body temperatures very well, she explains.

Tracey adds: 'Keeping an eye on room temperature; what bedding they are using and what they’re sleeping in matter. Indoor room temperature recommendation is the same all year round which is between 16-20 degrees.'

What should my baby wear in bed?

Tracey says if your baby is used to blankets and sheets, then go for lightweight options, and don't cover their upper body.

She explains: 'If your little one sleeps with sheets or blankets using a lightweight type is recommended, tucked in no higher than shoulder height.

'Thick, fleecy or padded blankets or duvets are not recommended as being safe and should not be used.'

What if my baby gets cold?

Tracey advises parents to do a simple check to see if their baby's temperature is correct, urging them never to put a hat on a baby no matter how cold they get.

'A good way to make sure you have got their temperature right is to feel if your baby is the right temperature.

'Quite simply touch the back of their neck or chest and if it feels a bit sweaty or clammy then remove a layer of clothing or bedding, and if they feel slightly cold then you can just add one too.

'In this weather their hands and feet can feel cold, but this is not the safest way to check their overall temperature.'

And if you do think they're too cold?

'If you think your baby is cold, add an extra lightweight blanket or another layer of clothing like a sleep vest or baby grow,' says Tracey.

'It could be tempting to pop a hat on your baby to keep the heat in, but babies use the heads to loose heat if they need to, so its definitely "hats off" indoor during the day and night time.'

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Netmums (@netmums)

'Recommended room temperature'

Both the NHS and The Lullaby Trust, in its guide to 'safer sleep in winter', advise that rooms should be around 16 to 20°C too.

'The recommended room temperature is 16-20 degrees, this may be difficult to maintain in the colder months,' says the charity.

'It can be tempting to wrap your baby up to keep them warm, however we know that overheating a baby increases the chances of SIDS (also known as cot death).'

The Lullaby Trust adds: 'Research shows babies are better to be cooler than too hot.'

'Babies do not need hot rooms,' the NHS adds. 'All-night heating is rarely necessary. Keep the room at a temperature that's comfortable – about 16 to 20C is ideal.'

The NHS also advises using 'layers of lightweight blankets' to help keep baby snug and warm if it's cold outside.

You can check whether your baby is too hot, the NHS adds, by seeing if their tummy feels hot to the touch.

If it is or you notice they're sweating, the guidance adds, 'take off some of the bedding'.

'Do not worry if their hands or feet feel cool – this is normal,' the NHS adds.

The NHS adds that babies can also lose excess heat through their heads, 'so make sure their heads cannot be covered by bedclothes, slings or carriers while they're asleep', the website explains.

Related stories

The Scandi parenting trick that sees babies sleep outside – even in the winter

CHAT: Baby and child health

Major supermarket becomes second retailer to cut baby formula prices