Sleep bags are popular winter items, but they must always be used correctly. Parents should check that the baby meets the minimum weight requirement (usually 4kg/9lb) and that they choose the appropriate tog rating for the room temperature. Sleep bags should not be combined with additional blankets unless advised.

A safe sleep space should always be flat, firm and free from clutter. This means no sleep pods, nests, wedges, pillows, soft toys, cot bumpers or loose bedding. These items increase risks through rebreathing, overheating or accidental smothering.

Families should be reminded that the cot must be placed away from radiators, portable heaters and direct heat sources. Placing a cot near heat can cause rapid overheating — something babies cannot regulate. Portable heaters should never face the cot directly.

Winter also increases the likelihood of damp and mould, which can irritate the baby’s airways. Encourage families to ventilate rooms safely and to seek support from their local council if damp is persistent or severe. Families struggling with rising heating costs can also be signposted to cost-of-living support schemes.