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It is recommended that you avoid travelling in cars with pre-term and young babies for long distances. Research into the link between car seats and SIDS found young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they sleep in a seated position for too long.

If your trip involves driving for long periods of time, you should stop for frequent breaks. This will allow you to check on your baby, take them out of the car seat and let them stretch and move around.

Ideally, a second adult should travel in the back of the car with your baby, or if travelling alone use a mirror to keep an eye on your baby. If your baby changes their position and slumps forward, then you should immediately stop, take them out of the car seat and sit them upright before continuing on your journey.

It is essential for safety that babies travel in a rearward-facing baby seats. Rearward-facing seats provide greater protection for the baby's head, neck and spine than forward-facing seats.

Babies should not sleep in car seats for long periods

Car seats are designed to keep babies safe while travelling, not as a main sleeping place. Car seats should only be used for transport and not as an alternative for cots or high chairs. It's OK for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat when travelling, but they should be taken out as soon as you get to your destination, and placed onto a firm, flat surface to sleep.

Overheating

Babies that get too hot are at a greater risk of SIDS. We advise removing any hats or outdoor clothing such as snowsuits and coats once your baby is in the car. The best way to check your baby isn't getting too hot is to feel their tummy or back of their neck. If their skin feels clammy or sweaty they are too hot, so remove a layer of clothing.

Make sure you have the right car seat for your baby's weight and it is fitted properly (many shops will help with this).

It is recommended that you do not buy or use a second-hand car seat as you cannot be certain of its history. It could have been involved in an accident and the damage may not be visible.

Car seats must conform to safety standards - United Nations standard, ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03) or to the new i-size regulation, R129. Look for the 'E' mark label on the seat.

Car seats and SIDS FAQs

Are babies at a greater risk of SIDS in a car seat?

Click here to open this question

Avoid travelling in cars with pre-term and young babies for long distances. Research published in 2016 by the University of Bristol looked at the health effects on babies of travelling in car seats. The study found pre-term and young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if travelling in an upright position in car seats for a long period of time.

You can read the findings of the research here: https://fn.bmj.com/content/102/2/F136

My baby often falls asleep in their car seat - can I leave them in there?

Click here to open this question

It's OK for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat when travelling, but they should be taken out of the car seat as soon as you get to your destination, and placed onto a firm, flat surface to sleep such as a cot or Moses basket.

For more information, download our car seats and SIDS fact sheet
Further safer sleep information available here

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It's OK for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat when travelling but research does show a link between car seats and SIDS

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW - SLINGS AND CARRIERS

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW - SLINGS AND CARRIERS

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NCT

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What is a sling, wrap or carrier?

A sling, wrap or carrier is what you use to carry your child on your body, it's commonly called babywearing. It's not a new phenomenon and has been practised for centuries in different cultures. We'll use the terms sling, wrap and carrier interchangeably in the rest of this article.

There are lots of types of slings so it's worth finding out about the different styles, and even trying a few before you buy one. Read our article Which baby carrier, wrap or sling is best for me? to find out more.

Are there are any benefits to using a sling?

Many parents say it's practical, whatever your lifestyle. Try tidying up or getting lunch ready for your toddler with your newborn in a baby carrier or baby sling. You'll probably see what they mean.

Slings help with transportation but they can also help parents and babies to bond and stay active while navigating the changes of new parenthood (Whittle, 2019; Williams and Turner, 2020). Younger parents' relationships with their baby have benefited from babywearing (Williams and Turner, 2020). Parents of multiple babies may find it easier to manage if one baby is held in a sling, and some use a sling for each baby. Parents who are wheelchair users or have limited arm capacity may find it an accessible way to transport or bond with their baby. It can also be an opportunity for fathers and co-parents to share closeness and nurture their babies (Whittle, 2021).

Research has found that parents who carry their babies tend to be more responsive to their babies as they are in close contact. This promotes bonding and interactions that improve their baby's speech, social and emotional development (Anisfeld et al, 1990; Williams and Turner, 2019; Norholt, 2020). Some studies suggest that for mothers, it can have positive mental health benefits, lowering stress and promoting breastfeeding (Norholt, 2020).

What are the risks of using slings?

Unfortunately, some babies have been injured and even died in unsafe baby slings and carriers, although this is very rare. Non-fatal injuries were mainly caused by dropping or the adult falling, while deaths were caused by positional asphyxiation (Batra et al, 2015; Rowe et al, 2022). (Positional asphyxiation is where the baby's body position blocks their breathing and they suffocate if this goes unnoticed.) These risks have led to tighter safety standards for slings and carriers to keep babies safe.

If your baby was born with a low birth weight or has a medical condition, please discuss the safe use of a carrier or sling with a health professional. Remember to be aware of your child and check them regularly, especially if your baby is under four months old.

How can I keep my baby safe in their sling, wrap or carrier?

When it comes to using slings, it's very important to make sure you're following a few simple guidelines. You'll need to check the manufacturer's instructions, following their advice for whether the size, weight and age of your baby is right for the sling.

Before you use the sling or carrier, check for signs of wear and tear. Don't use it if you have any concerns. The safest type of sling or carrier keeps the baby solidly against the parent's body in an upright position and distributes the child's weight evenly across the wearers shoulders hips and back (ROSPA, 2022).

When your baby is in the wrap, check them often, making sure nothing is blocking their nose and mouth. Also make sure you read and follow the UK Sling Consortium's TICKS checklist:

(UK Sling Consortium, 2015)

Baby positions for slings and carriers

A recommended position is known as the spread squat, jockey position or M-position. The spread squat is where the baby is facing their adult and has their thighs spread around the wearer's torso. The baby also has their hips bent so their knees are slightly higher than their buttocks, or at buttock level with the thighs supported.

This practice is beneficial for at least the first 6 months for correct hip development, and also encourages social development as they are facing their caregiver. It is particularly important if a baby is being held in a sling for long periods of time (International Hip Dysplasia Institute, 2022). Read more about hip dysplasia (hips growing abnormally) in our article about it.

Can I breastfeed in a sling?

Using a sling while breastfeeding is associated with a longer duration of breastfeeding, due to convenience and the increased responsiveness that comes with keeping a baby close throughout the day (Pisacane et al, 2012; Little, 2019). It's important to know how to do it safely though. Do make sure you check the manufacturer's instructions as some suggest you don't breastfeed in their slings. Here are our tips:

1. Most people will stop and settle so they breastfeed while stationary. However, if you are feeding on the go then keep an eye out for trip hazards.

2. Check your baby can breathe easily. A healthy baby will never compromise their own ability to breath, but a poorly one may struggle.

3. Support your baby at all times.

4. You can breastfeed vertically or in a more laidback position. While you will still have to use your hands, the sling can give you more freedom to move. It also frees up one hand to help you get your latch sorted.

5. After feeding, ensure your baby is facing up and their head is clear of the sling and your body.
This page was last reviewed in June 2022.
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of our Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

For more information on the slings available, find your nearest NCT sling library. Our sling libraries have a wide variety of slings and carriers to try and hire so you can find which one works best for you.

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Everything you need to know about slings and carriers | Baby & toddler articles & support | NCT

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A sling, wrap or carrier is what you use to carry your child on your body, it's commonly called babywearing. It's not a new phenomenon and has been practised for centuries in different cultures. We'll use the terms sling, wrap and carrier interchangeably in the rest of this article.

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NCT

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What is swaddling?

Swaddling is a traditional practice of wrapping a baby up gently in a light, breathable blanket to help them feel calm and sleepy. They should only have their body wrapped and not their neck or head, to reduce the chance of suffocation.

The idea is that being swaddled will help your little one feel snug and secure, just like in your womb.

What are the benefits of swaddling my little one?

Some people say that swaddling seems to help their little one to settle more easily and sleep for longer, others find that it can help calm their baby. Research has shown swaddling, used alongside sound and movement, to be effective at soothing crying babies (Möller et al, 2019; Nelson, 2017). It can also encourage babies to sleep deeper and for longer (Nelson, 2017).

Another study found that babies who were born early and were swaddled were calmer and had improved neuromuscular development and better muscle tone, and it soothed pain and discomfort (Sleuwen et al, 2007; Kitase et al, 2017).

What are the risks of swaddling my baby?

It has been suggested that early swaddling could affect breastfeeding if babies are prevented from having skin to skin contact during feeding. However, research has not found long-term negative effects on breastfeeding (Nelson, 2017; Kelly et al, 2017).

Some people have questioned if encouraging a baby to sleep more deeply at night is beneficial for them as being asleep for longer periods reduces the time they are awake, interacting with and learning from their environment (St James-Roberts, 2012).

Natural positioning

Some evidence suggests that tightly swaddling a baby's hips could increase their chance of developing hip dysplasia (a developmental problem with a baby's hip joint) (Clarke, 2014; Nelson, 2017). Making sure your baby's legs have enough space to be able to bend up and out at the hips allows for the natural development of the hip joints (Clarke, 2014).

Is swaddling my baby safe?

Swaddling presents a very low risk for babies, if you follow safe sleeping and hip friendly swaddling guidance (Nelson, 2017; McDonnell & Moon 2017). Current baby sleeping advice is to always lay your little one down to sleep on their back and avoid front or side positions for sleep, particularly if your baby is swaddled (Pease et al, 2016). In addition, you should stop swaddling your baby when they show the first signs of rolling over (Nelson, 2017).

What safety points do I need to consider?

Follow these seven safe and hip friendly swaddling tips:

1. Consider your baby's temperature and their environment to prevent overheating. Check their temperature regularly and make sure they are wearing suitable clothes for the weather. Do not swaddle them if they are unwell or have a fever (Lullaby Trust, 2021).

2. Swaddle your baby using thin materials such as a small, cotton sheet or muslin square. Do not place any additional material on top of a swaddled baby, for example a blanket which could cause them to overheat. Follow safe sleep guidance, laying your baby on a firm, flat surface clear of any other items (The Lullaby Trust, 2021).

3. Don't swaddle your baby above their shoulders - their neck and head should never be swaddled. Ensure any material is secure and won't come loose as your baby moves, to avoid suffocation (The Lullaby Trust, 2021).

4. Use hip-healthy swaddling techniques to reduce the chance of hip dysplasia. Make sure your baby is able to move their hips and knees freely to kick. Your baby's legs should be able to fall into a natural position (like frog legs) rather than straight down.

5. Always put your baby to sleep on their back. Never put a swaddled baby to sleep on their front or side (The Lullaby Trust, 2021; McDonnell & Moon, 2017; Pease et al, 2016; Nelson, 2017).

6. If you use a swaddle product or blanket check that it conforms to safety standards and is well fitted, without fault or damage. Follow the manufacturers guidance on age or weight ratings and consider using a lower tog rating to minimise overheating risks (McDonnell & Moon, 2017; The Lullaby Trust, 2021).

7. If someone else looks after your baby, make sure they also know about safe sleeping advice and how to swaddle safely. Take your time to show them and explain safe swaddling and make sure they know to always put your baby to sleep on their back (The Lullaby Trust, 2021).

How long can I safely swaddle my baby for?

Swaddling should only be introduced when your baby is a newborn. As soon as they show signs that they're learning to roll over or they can already roll over, you need to transition them away from swaddling (Pease et al, 2016; The Lullaby Trust 2021; McDonnell & Moon, 2017; Nelson, 2017).

For more about how to swaddle your baby read our step-by-step guide to swaddling.
This page was last reviewed in December 2021.
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0333 252 5051.

You might find attending one of NCT's Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

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Swaddling a baby: the benefits, risks and seven safety tips | Baby & toddler articles & support | NCT

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Swaddling has been used in different forms throughout the world since 4000BC and around 1 in 5 babies in the UK are swaddled in the first few weeks of life (Day, 2015). Some parents say it helps their baby to sleep, reducing crying and stress, but there are risks to be aware of (Day, 2015).

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Side-car cribs, bedside cots and Co-sleepers

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Side-car cribs, bedside cots and Co-sleepers

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BASIS

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Different bed-side cots incorporate various features, but all have the facility to keep the baby close to a parent with no barrier to hinder night-time contact. A safe bed-side cot should fasten to the parents' bed or have locking wheels to prevent it from being accidentally moved away from the bed while the baby is in the cot. There should be no gap between the cot/crib and the bed. It should also include a detachable or moveable 4 th wall that can be secured in place if the baby is left to sleep in the crib alone. It is desirable if the height of the cot/crib can be adjusted to match the height of the adult bed.

Sometimes parents make their own side-car cribs by removing the side-wall of a standard cot and somehow fastening the cot to the adult bed. With the 4th side permanently removed from the cot it is not safe to leave babies unattended, and it can be difficult to adjust the height of the cot to match the height of the bed, leaving the potential for gaps in which a baby might get trapped.

To date, no research has investigated whether one type of cot helps with feeding, sleep or safety more than another in the home. Marketing information and parents' reviews indicate that 3-sided cribs are popular with breastfeeding mothers, especially when they are recovering from c-section deliveries, or when their babies are small and feeding frequently at night. All of the research conducted on 3-sided cribs so far has examined their use in hospital post-natal wards only.

Side-car (or clip-on) cribs used in hospitals

In UK hospitals, it is standard practice for babies to 'room-in' with their mothers on the postnatal ward. Typically babies sleep in a standard bassinette (a four-sided plastic box that sits in a metal frame with wheels, see Image below left). Some hospitals now also use side-car cribs (a three-sided bassinette that securely clamps onto the side of the mother's hospital bed, see Image below right). In other countries different versions of side-car cribs are used in hospitals (see image of Belgian hospital side-car crib above left).

Research done in UK hospitals has found that :

Side-car/clip-on cribs are very popular with mothers following delivery as they are more easily able to see, touch, and pick up their babies from this location. Mothers recovering from episiotomies and caesarean incisions, who have limited mobility, find them particularly beneficial.

After a normal (vaginal), unmedicated delivery, using a side-car crib on the postnatal ward helps mothers and babies to breastfeed more frequently, which contributes to increasing the overall duration of breastfeeding.

There is no difference in the total amount of sleep both mothers and babies get based on the type of cot they have on the postnatal ward.

A large randomised trial examining the general use of side-car cribs for all mothers and babies, regardless of delivery type, did not find an increase in long-term breastfeeding duration.

See our Health Practitioners pages for more information about side-car cribs.

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Side-Car Cribs, Bedside Cots, and Co-Sleepers

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Different bed-side cots incorporate various features, but all have the facility to keep the baby close to a parent with no barrier to hinder night-time contact. A safe bed-side cot should fasten to the parents' bed or have locking wheels to prevent it from being accidentally moved away from the bed while the baby is in the cot.

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BASIS

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Does everyone ask how your baby sleeps?

Does everyone else's baby seem to sleep more than yours?

Do you feel like you or your baby are being judged by how 'well' he/she sleeps?

If so, you are not alone!

When we have a new baby, many of us often find that talking about sleep causes others to offer (often unwanted) suggestions for how we can (or 'should') encourage our baby to sleep more. Although we all know that the first few months with a baby will involve disrupted nights, our expectations for how long this lasts, and our understanding of how normal infant sleep develops, can be unclear or unrealistic, and comments from others can be worrying:

Am I doing it right? Is there something wrong with my baby?

As sleep deprivation continues, we may search for bright ideas for getting a 'good night's sleep', or we may be tempted to try out the suggestions of family, friends, or well-wishers. But how do we know these ideas or suggestions are safe, that they won't affect our infant's health, or have long-term consequences?

It is important to remember that babies operate according to their own internal biological rhythms and they are unaware of what their parents are reading or being told.

Babies do not have a body clock when they are born. It often takes several months for a baby's day-night pattern of wake and sleep to become established, and for night-time sleep consolidation to happen.

During this time many parents just need reassurance that their baby is normal, and that their baby's sleep patterns are developing as expected.

In cases where we are unhappy with our infant's sleep development it may not be the baby that is problematic, but our expectations regarding sleep and babies' needs.

If you are a parent who is reading this site, we assume this means you are looking for information and want to make informed decisions. This is what we aim to provide, at least for those topics where there is good research evidence about normal infant sleep.

Where little or no research exists, we'll tell you - but if you are looking for information we don't seem to provide let us know, and we'll try to address that.

In the following sections we summarise what is currently known about normal infant sleep development, why babies sleep the way they do, and what research has so far discovered about 'managing' how babies sleep.

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Does everyone ask how your baby sleeps? Does everyone else's baby seem to sleep more than yours? Do you feel like you or your baby are being judged by how 'well' he/she sleeps? If so, you are not alone!

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Lullaby
Trust

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To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. However, we know that many parents find themselves co-sleeping whether they mean to or not. Wherever you're planning for your baby to sleep we recommend making your bed a safer place for baby. Our advice on co-sleeping with your baby will tell you how.

When not to co-sleep

Whether you choose to co-sleep or it is unplanned, there are some key risks you should avoid.
Co-sleeping with your baby is very dangerous if:
In these scenarios, it is always best to put baby in their own safe sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Keeping the cot or Moses basket next to your bed might make this easier.
Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can't breathe.
Co-sleeping more safely

Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby or any other items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat. A high proportion of babies who die as a result of SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding.

Follow all The Lullaby Trust's other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS such as sleeping baby on their back

To reduce the risk of accidents, do not bring other children or pets into bed with you.

Try to make sure or check that baby cannot be trapped, wedged or fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall

Never leave your baby unattended in an adult bed

For more info on co-sleeping and safer sleep read our guide for parents
If you are bedsharing with your baby you should consider any risks before every sleep. It is easy for your situation to change if you are unwell or have drunk any alcohol, which means your baby will be safest in a separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket on that occasion.

Co-sleeping with your baby: FAQs

I am worried I might fall asleep while I breastfeed my baby at night, is this ok?

Click here to open this question

Breastfeeding reduces the chance of SIDS. If you feel you might fall asleep we would recommend you prepare the bed as described above so it is safer for baby if this happens.

Make sure you know the advice on when never to co-sleep so you know when to take particular care. It is really important that you do not accidentally fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. If you think you might fall asleep on a sofa or armchair, put the baby down in a safe place to sleep.

Should I co-sleep with my baby?

Click here to open this question

The safest place for a baby is their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. We would just advise you to read all the information on co-sleeping and how to reduce the risks, so you can make an informed decision for you and your baby.

However, there are some circumstances where we would strongly recommend against co-sleeping such as on a sofa or armchair, if anyone in the bed smokes or has drunk alcohol or your baby was premature or a low birth weight.

Can I co-sleep with twins or multiples?

Click here to open this question

If you choose to bedshare with twins or multiples we would advise not to bedshare with more than one baby at a time due to risk of accidents associated with bedsharing with more than one baby or child.

Is it safer to co-sleep using a nest or pod than with a baby just lying on the adult bed?

Click here to open this question

No. We do not recommend that babies sleep on soft surfaces such as pods or nests. If you choose to co-sleep with your baby the safest place is a clear space on a firm flat mattress the same as we would advise with a cot.

Why do you advise against co-sleeping in certain scenarios?

Click here to open this question

It is estimated that around half of SIDS deaths occur whilst co-sleeping, and that most of these are in high risk situations. We do not know the cause of SIDS and why these deaths happen but we do know what some of the risk factors are and that removing those risks greatly lowers the chance of SIDS occurring.

For that reason we strongly advise against co-sleeping when there are risk factors such as a baby being premature or a parent having drunk alcohol.

What bedding should I use for my baby when we co-sleep?
The Lullaby Trust has worked with Public Heath England, Unicef UK Baby Friendly and Basis on two publications to support families with safer sleep advice and advice on co-sleeping more safely. We have also collaborated on a guide for health professionals to have more open and productive discussions with families about safer sleep and co-sleeping. These can be downloaded below.

Click here to open this question

Adult bedding should be kept well away from your baby along with any belts or cords from clothing. Keep adult bedding at your waist height and add an extra layer of clothing if you are cold

A baby sleeping bag is a good way of giving your baby their own bedding when bedsharing.

Baby sleeping bags should be well fitted, so the baby can't wriggle down inside. Most sleeping bags are fitted according to a baby's weight, rather than age.

You might also be interested in reading the two Unicef Baby Friendly publications, which are both endorsed by The Lullaby Trust:

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Some parents choose to share a bed (known as co-sleeping) with their babies. Read our advice on how to co-sleep more safely.

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T.I.C.K.S.

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Baby sleep Information Source

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Research-based information on baby sleep for parents and practitioners, covering normal infant sleep, sleep safety, where and how babies sleep, SIDS and SUDI, parental sleep and free resources.

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Link to the app

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‎Up-to date research-based information on infant sleep, safety, and development from the Infant Sleep Info Source website (www.isisonine.org.uk). This informational app explains how and why babies sleep as they do, and explains the reasons for safe sleep guidance. Includes an interactive bed-sharing…

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Wimbledon Sling meet

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Slinging Wimbledon. 139 likes. Wimbledon Sling Meet Monthly meetings of parents interested in slings and baby carriers. Babywearers share the love

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BASIS (Baby sleep info source)

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Swaddling (firm wrapping in a cloth or blanket) is an ancient and widely used baby-care tool.

Some research studies have found that swaddling can help calm and soothe babies, and help them sleep. Researchers have suggested that swaddling can help babies settle on their backs, and prevent them turning on to their front or getting their heads covered by bedding. Parents in Western countries are increasingly turning to swaddling to help calm their babies for sleep.

Recently, however, some research has suggested that swaddling might not always be safe: Babies that are swaddled may sleep more deeply. While this may at first appear to be a good thing it may in fact put them at higher risk of SIDS. The ability to arouse (begin to wake) from sleep is key to a baby's ability to cope with things in their environment that might otherwise put them at risk of SIDS. Research shows that swaddling reduces this ability much more among babies for whom swaddling is a new experience - i.e. have NOT been swaddled since birth. A recent review paper found that swaddling increased SIDS risk if the baby was on its front, and decreased it for babies sleeping on their back. However a recent UK study found an increased risk of SIDS for all swaddled babies - including those sleeping on their back. The current evidence is therefore contradictory.

Swaddling can also put babies at higher risk of bone-development problems, chest infections and overheating. It is also not considered to be a good idea to swaddle a baby when bed-sharing. Babies need to be able to use their arms and legs to alert adults who get too close, and to move covers from their faces. Swaddling prevents a bed-sharing baby from doing this.

If you decide to swaddle...

Wrap firmly but not too tightly.

Baby's legs and feet should be able to move freely, and bend at the hip.

Leave arms free for babies over 3 months, to allow self-soothing.

Leave baby's head uncovered, and don't let baby get too hot.

If you bring baby into your bed, remove swaddling to prevent overheating.

Always place baby to sleep on their back.

If you are going to swaddle, evidence suggests it is safest to do it from birth. Don't suddenly start when SIDS risk is highest (at 2-3 months).

For more information on swaddling, and swaddling methods, the NCT, AAP, ISPID and Red Nose (Australia) all provide useful information. Click here for more information from the HCP section on swaddling on this site.

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Swaddling (firm wrapping in a cloth or blanket) is an ancient and widely used baby-care tool. Some research studies have found that swaddling can help calm and soothe babies, and help them sleep. Researchers have suggested that swaddling can help babies settle on their backs, and prevent them turning on to their front or getting their heads covered by bedding.

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BBC (30 minutes info but generally the advice no longer than 2 hours)

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New research warns that infants under four weeks shouldn't travel in car seats for more than 30 minutes.

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NCT guidelines

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FINAL Sling Safety Flyer 2018.5.15 .compressed

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How to Hip-Healthy Swaddle your Baby - IHDI

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7 Huge benefits

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The way your baby is cared for and nurtured immediately after birth significantly impacts their transition from the womb to life outside.

In a culture that commonly separates mothers and babies for routine procedures such as cleaning, weighing and measuring, most babies are missing that critical time of being skin to skin with their mothers, which has short and long term consequences for all.

As these procedures are not necessary to maintain or enhance the wellbeing of either mother or baby, there is no reason why they cannot be delayed beyond the first critical hour.

The first hour should be focused on baby's first breastfeed and mother-baby and family bonding. Unless mother or baby is in need of medical assistance, hospital protocols should support this time of new beginnings for both vaginal and caesarean births.

What Is An Undisturbed First Hour?

Babies are born and immediately placed tummy down on their mother's stomach. A warm blanket should be placed over both mother and baby, to keep mother warm. This slows the production of adrenaline hormone in her so as to not interfere with oxytocin and prolactin hormones being produced (essential for bonding and breastfeeding).

At this time, the mother's needs are simple: warmth and a quiet, calm environment. It is important to remember that she is still in labour - the placenta and membranes are still to be birthed, and her uterus needs to contract down.

Here are 7 important reasons why the first hour after birth should be undisturbed:

#1: Baby-Led Initiation of Breastfeeding

It is quite common these days for hospital staff to want baby to begin breastfeeding within the first hour. In addition to the importance of early feeding for mother-baby attachment and bonding, it also helps to expel the placenta more quickly and easily, reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. Read more about the benefits of a natural third stage here.

It's common for caregivers to assist baby to latch onto the nipple, which is unnecessary in most cases. When babies who have not been exposed to medications are placed skin to skin with their mothers and left undisturbed, they will instinctually crawl to their mother's breast and attach themselves to the nipple. This is now known as the 'breast crawl' and was first observed by Swedish researchers in the 1980s. Further observation discovered that babies are born with innate instincts that assist them in finding their mother's nipple, like all newborn mammals.

#2: Body System Regulation

Babies who are left skin to skin with their mothers for the first hours immediately after birth are better able to regulate their temperature and respiration. Newborns aren't able to adjust their body temperature as well as older children and adults as they don't have the same insulating fat levels. They have spent nine months in an environment that is perfectly temperature controlled. If babies lose too much heat, they have to use more energy and oxygen than they can spare to try and keep their temperature stable

An undisturbed first hour with skin to skin also reduces the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Newborn babies can produce glucose from their body stores of energy until they are breastfeeding well and are more likely to do so when they remain skin to skin with their mothers.

#3: Promotes Delayed Cord Clamping

Leaving the umbilical cord intact while it is still pulsating allows babies to receive oxygen still via the placenta, while adjusting to breathing through their lungs. Being skin to skin with their mothers helps babies to stabilise respiration, meaning that their cord will remain intact for longer and giving them more chance to receive vital red blood cells and reduce the risk of iron deficiency anaemia (read more from BellyBelly on delayed cord clamping here).

Even if you have a c-section, delayed cord clamping is possible, but not in all cases. Ultimately it depends on the willingness of your chosen care provider and your unique situation. Speak to your care provider to see if he or she supports delayed clamping during straight forward c-sections. It's an important question to ask when interviewing your care provider.

#4: Promotes Mother-Baby Attachment

Prolonged skin to skin after birth allows mother and baby to get to know each other. Mothers who have skin to skin contact after birth are more likely to feel confident and comfortable in meeting their babies' needs than those who had none. Attachment is critical to newborn survival and mothers are hard wired to look after their young. Oxytocin receptors in a woman's brain increase during pregnancy, so when her baby is born, she is more responsive to this hormone that promotes maternal behaviour. Oxytocin is produced in large amounts when breastfeeding and holding babies close skin to skin.

Mothers who had early skin to skin with their babies are more likely to demonstrate bonding behaviours later in their child's life, such as kissing, holding, positive speaking and so on.

Skin-to-skin is becoming a reality for more c-section mothers - find out more here.

#5: Improves Breastfeeding Success Rates

Breastfeeding initiation and duration is likely to be more successful with babies who have early skin to skin contact. This is particularly important in countries where breastfeeding rates significantly drop a few months after birth, such as Australia, America and the UK. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies in the first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Creating the right conditions for the initiation of breastfeeding would help promote longer durations of breastfeeding for many women.

Babies who are left to self attach usually have a better chance of proper tongue positioning when latching. This can increase long term breastfeeding as mothers experience more ease and fewer problems when latching is not an issue.

#6: Protects Against The Effects of Separation

Babies are born ready to interact with their mothers - a newborn baby who has not been exposed to excessive medication will be very alert and gaze intently into their mother's face, recognising her smell, sound of her voice and the touch of her skin. Remaining with their mother is key to a baby's survival and separation is life threatening. Babies are born with a mammal's primal instinct to stay within the safe habitat of mother, where there is warmth, safety and nourishment.

When babies are separated from their mother they will protest loudly, drawing their mother's attention to their distress. Babies undergo what is literally a cold turkey withdrawal from the sensory stimulation of their mother's body. If they are not reunited with their mother despite their protests, they will go into a despair state - essentially giving up and becoming quiet and still. This is partly a survival instinct to avoid attracting predators, and their body systems slow down to preserve energy and heat.

#7: Boost Your Baby's Immunity Naturally

When babies are born, they emerge from a near-sterile environment in the uterus and are seeded by their mother's bacteria. This essentially trains the baby's cells to understand what is 'good' and 'bad' bacteria. This kickstarts their immune system to fight off infections and protects from disease in the future.

Research indicates that if babies aren't given this opportunity to be exposed to their mother's bacteria, either because they are not born vaginally, held skin to skin or breastfed, then the baby's immune system may not reach its full potential and can increase the child's risk of disease in the future.

Skin to skin contact and early breastfeeding is an excellent way to help increase your baby's exposure to bacteria if you need a caesarean section for medical reasons. Find out more ways to boost your baby's immune system here.

Tips For Planning An Undisturbed Hour After Birth

A better understanding of how an undisturbed hour after birth impacts breastfeeding, mother wellbeing and newborn development, helps make it possible for us to make informed choices about this critical period:

Choose your birth carer and setting to increase your chances for an undisturbed natural birth and first hour. Caregivers should support you having an undisturbed first hour and leave routine baby checks until you are ready.

Create an optimal environment for birth (warm, dim lighting, quiet, private, supported). This boosts the right hormones for natural birth, which reduces the need for interventions that could cause separation from your baby.

Ensure your caregivers understand the important of leaving the umbilical cord intact until it has stopped pulsating, so baby cannot be separated from you.

To promote production of oxytocin and prolactin, make sure your environment after birth remains warm and calm.

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7 Huge Benefits of An Undisturbed First Hour After Birth | BellyBelly

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The way your baby is cared for and nurtured immediately after birth significantly impacts their transition from the womb to life outside. In a culture that commonly separates mothers and babies for routine procedures such as cleaning, weighing and measuring, most babies are missing that critical time of being skin to skin with their mothers, which has short and long term consequences for all.

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How to reduce the risk of SIDS

Our safer sleep advice gives simple steps for how you can sleep your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) which is commonly known as cot death. It can give you the peace of mind to enjoy this special time.

Our advice is based on strong scientific evidence and should be followed for all sleep periods, not just at night.

If you have any questions about SIDS or safer sleep, please call our information line on 0808 802 6869 (lines open Monday-Friday 10am-2pm).

Watch our free presentations on how to sleep your baby safely and reduce the risk of SIDS

Things you can do

Always place your baby on their back to sleep

Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth

Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months

Breastfeed your baby

Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition

Things to avoid

Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby

Don't sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke, drink or take drugs or are extremely tired, if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth-weight

Avoid letting your baby get too hot

Don't cover your baby's face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding

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How to reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby

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The sudden death of a baby or young child is absolutely devastating for any family. With your help, we can ensure that our services keep reaching the families who need us. Please donate today if you can. We use cookies to give you the best possible online experience.