Safe Sleep Week: Myths, Tips & Safe Sleep Practices for Your Baby
As parents, we all want to ensure our little ones get the best possible sleep—both for their well-being and for our own! But with so much conflicting advice out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This Safe Sleep Week, we’ve teamed up with sleep experts Beck Behan – Certified Infant Sleep Consultant, Tara Mitchell – The Gentle Sleep Specialist, and Fiona Weaver – Social Worker and Infant & Family Sleep Educator to clear up common misconceptions, share essential safe sleep signs, and provide practical tips to help your baby (and you) sleep soundly.
Common Misconceptions About Baby Sleep
Myth #1: "Babies should sleep through the night by a certain age."
One of the biggest myths is the expectation that babies should be sleeping through the night by a specific age. This misconception can cause a lot of stress for parents when their baby isn’t sleeping through by the “right” time. Tara Mitchell explains that sleep can be supported and improved, and it's important to focus on building healthy sleep habits instead of chasing the elusive goal of sleeping through the night.
“Rather than focusing on the end goal of sleeping through, aim to set up healthy sleep foundations with realistic goals for your baby's sleep,” she suggests.
Beck Behan echoes this sentiment, noting that:
“Babies will sleep through the night at all different ages. Some will just do it on their own, and others will need some guidance when the time is right for that family.”
So, remember that night waking is completely normal, and each baby will reach this milestone at their own pace.
Myth #2: "Parents should instinctively know how to manage sleep."
Another myth is that parents should know how to manage sleep right from the start. Behan highlights that it's completely okay to seek help when needed.
“Reaching out for support isn’t a failure; it’s a step toward better rest and emotional well-being,” she says.
Parents seek advice for feeding, milestones, and health, so sleep is no different. Getting support when you need it is key to a healthier, more restful experience for both baby and parent.
Signs of an Unsafe Sleep Environment
Creating a safe sleep space is essential. Mitchell and Behan point out key things to watch for:
✔ Loose bedding, cot bumpers, or toys in the crib – “Babies putting their faces into plush toys, pillows, or crib bumpers pose a suffocation risk,” Mitchell warns. “Keeping their sleep space clear is essential.”
✔ Overheating (sweating, hot to touch) – “If your baby wakes up hot, check layers and be mindful of pram naps, ensuring proper ventilation and never covering the pram with blankets or heavy fabrics,” advises Mitchell.
✔ Wearing headbands or beanies while sleeping – Behan stresses the importance of following safe sleep guidelines recommended by Red Nose to help minimise sleep risks.
Additionally, Mitchell states:
“If your baby is rolling but their arms or hands are still restricted (e.g., in a swaddle), it’s time to transition to a sleep sack with free arms for safety.”
Safe Sleep Practices
According to Mitchell, parents should focus on understanding “age-appropriate awake times” and ensure their baby is active during wake windows. If you choose co-sleeping, make sure to follow safe practices, avoiding risks like co-sleeping on sofas or allowing soft toys in the crib. Using a sleeping bag can keep babies snug without the risk of loose blankets.
“Good sleep is still possible even if your baby is in your room,” she adds, highlighting that having the baby’s cot nearby can support safer sleep.
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Room-Sharing: Benefits and When to Transition to a Crib
Room-sharing is a helpful practice for new parents, playing a crucial role in safe sleep. Behan explains:
“Room sharing can provide comfort for both baby and parents, especially in the early weeks.”
But when is it time to transition to a crib? Both experts suggest that there isn’t a set age, but:
[The Stokke Sleepi™ Mini and Sleepi™ Bed have swivel wheels and fit through doorways, making it easy to move from room to room. Built with quality European beech wood and designed to grow with your little one from newborn up to 5 years (Sleepi™ Bed), it’s the perfect cot to support a safe and sound sleep.]“From around 6 months of age,” Behan advises, “parents can consider moving the baby into their own room if they are comfortable and if the baby is sleeping in longer stretches.”
The Truth About Bed-sharing / Co-Sleeping
Most parents don’t plan to bed-share—but exhaustion changes everything. When a baby refuses to sleep alone, many sleep-deprived parents end up bringing them into bed at some point. The problem? Many don’t know how to do it safely.
Fiona Weaver, a social worker and infant & family sleep educator, explains:
“Safe sleep guidelines are incredibly important and have saved many little lives, but the message of ‘never take your baby to bed’ doesn’t stop exhausted parents from doing it—it just makes them afraid to.”
This fear can lead to riskier situations, like dozing off on a couch, in a feeding chair, or sitting up in bed—none of which are safe for a baby. Rather than ignoring the reality that bed-sharing happens, it’s far safer to prepare for it.
Familiarise yourself with the Safe Sleep 7 before your baby arrives so that if the moment comes (and it likely will!), you can confidently create a safe sleep space in your bed and get the rest you need.
Balancing Safe Sleep with Your Baby’s Needs
Safe sleep isn’t about forcing a baby to sleep in a way that doesn’t work for them—it’s about adapting safety to reality. Some babies sleep well in their cots, while others need to be close to a caregiver. Neither approach is wrong, and both can be done safely.
If your baby sleeps best in your arms, on your chest, or in bed with you, you don’t have to choose between meeting their needs and following safe sleep guidelines. Instead, focus on creating a safe sleep setup that works for your family.
This might mean:
✔ Using a bedside cot for easy settling (e.g. the Stokke® Snoozi & Stokke® Sleepi™).
✔ Following the Safe Sleep 7 if bed-sharing.
✔ Ensuring your baby is on a firm, flat surface if contact napping.
Takeaway: You Don’t Have to “Just Deal With It”
Parenting is challenging, and when it comes to baby sleep, it's okay to ask for help, seek guidance, and adapt as needed. The sleep experts stress that sleep is a journey, not a race. Instead of stressing over rigid rules, focus on minimising risk while meeting your baby’s needs. By understanding that each baby is unique and setting realistic goals, parents can create a safe, healthy sleep environment that works for their family.
Remember: sleep habits can always be improved with a little guidance, and it's never too late to make small changes to ensure better rest for both you and your baby.