Winter readiness advice for families with babies

This guide offers essential winter safety and care tips for families with babies, covering warmth, feeding, home safety, and sleep practices.

Home Safety

Check you have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

If you use a fire or stove, make sure chimneys/flues are clean.
Keep candles away from children and soft furnishings.
Never pour hot water for bottles in the dark. Don’t use hot water bottles for children under 4.

Babies should be cooler rather than too warm.
Use light blankets, not thick or padded ones.
Baby sleeps safest on their back in a clear cot or Moses basket.
If you share a bed:
- Baby on a firm, flat mattress, no pillows or duvets nearby.
- No pets or other children in bed.
- Never leave baby alone in an adult bed.
Never sleep with baby on a sofa or armchair.
Avoid bed-sharing if baby was premature, low birthweight, or if you smoke, drink alcohol, or take drugs/medication that makes you drowsy.

Times are tough for many families. Here are some practical tips to keep you and your baby safe and well.

Look after yourself too. If you’re struggling to feed yourself or your family, speak to your Health Visitor, Midwife, GP, Nursery, or Family Hub—they can help.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is free, needs no equipment, and gives your baby everything they need, plus protection against winter bugs.
If you'd like support, contact your Midwife, Health Visitor, or Family Hub.
Formula Feeding
All first-stage formulas have the same nutrition—the cheapest is just as good as the most expensive.
Use the correct number of scoops shown on the box. Using less can harm your baby.
Always make feeds with boiled water to kill bacteria. Don’t use cold or warm tap water.
Sterilise bottles every time and throw away leftover milk after a feed.
You can sterilise using cold water and tablets or other methods: www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/sterilising-baby-bottles/

Free vitamins and money for milk, fruit, and veg if you receive certain benefits. Apply at:

Use thin, easy-to-remove layers - Babies do not need to be wrapped up in thick heavy layers.
Babies can’t control their own body temperature, check baby’s chest/back to see if they’re too hot or cold.
No thick coats in car seats or indoors.
Hats and mittens only for outside.
If you have a baby carrier, this can be a great way for you and your baby to share body heat. For more information go to: babyslingsafety.co.uk/ticks.pdf
Do not put babies next to a radiator or fire/open fire
Close curtains at night to keep heat in.

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