“Not every baby is as lucky”: scary video’s important sleep reminder

A terrifying video shared on social media shows why parents shouldn’t put anything in their baby’s cot or bassinet when they go to sleep.

The video, shared on Tik Tok by @safesleepabc, shows a baby pulling what looks like a little blanket over its head and struggling to breath.

“This baby was saved in time. But not every baby is as lucky,” Safesleepabc captioned the footage.

Text featured in the video says, “Do not leave anything in your baby’s sleep space.

“Thankfully, this baby’s parents got there in time. But not every baby is as lucky.”

@safesleepabc

This baby was saved in time. But not every baby is as lucky. ##sidsawareness ##sids ##pregnant ##babysleep ##safesleep ##babiesoftiktok ##PerfectAsIAm

♬ Only Time – Enya

Commenters on the video were so glad the baby was found in time.

“This is so scary,” one user commented.

Another said: “Thank god the parents got there in time.”

Safe sleep

According to Red Nose, there are a number of things parents can do to make their baby’s sleep space safer.

Sleep your baby on their back. Red Nose says: “Research has found that sleeping your baby on their back greatly reduces the risk of sudden and unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), which includes SIDS.

“This is because healthy babies placed on their back to sleep are less likely to choke on vomit than tummy sleeping infants.”

Avoid bed-sharing. As tempting as it might be to drift off together in the comfort of your bed, it’s recommended that babies have their own space to sleep. A great alternative is room-sharing where the baby sleeps in a cot next to your bed – something the Raising Children Network recommends for the first 6-12 months.

Dress your newborn appropriately for bed. As newborns regulate their temperature through their face, it’s essential to keep their head uncovered. Don’t worry if their hands and feet are cold – that’s normal.

Avoid placing anything inside the sleep space. Avoid cot bumpers, pillows, doonas, soft toys, and sheepskin or lamb’s wool. And make sure the mattress is firm fitting, and there aren’t any gaps between the mattress edge and the cot.