It is recommended that all babies sleep in their parents’ bedroom for the first six months. You may need to do this for longer so that you can check on your child regularly and if needed reposition them so that they don’t get stiff and uncomfortable during the night.

It is best to have a room that is not dry or stuffy or too warm. If your child has secretions, this can make them become sticky and difficult to remove.

It is usually best for your child to sleep on a baby mattress as these are more comfortable than an adult mattress. There are also specialist mattresses available for babies and young children made of memory foam which mould to the body. Some parents have found these helpful. If needed, sleep systems (wedges and rolls usually made of foam and fibre) may sometimes be provided to support your baby’s limbs in a comfortable position at night-time.

Some families have told us that they find it helpful to use a paediatric hospital cot which can be height adjusted. Others whose children have had difficulties moving have said that they have used an alternating pressure air mattress to help prevent pressure sores and for increased comfort.

It can help to have plenty of mattress covers, bedding and facecloths so that you can change and wash them if they get damp. Several thin, light covers on top of your baby are useful so that you can add or remove a layer if your child gets cold or hot.

It is good to have some air circulation in the room but avoid any draughts.

It is important that you get rest and sleep. If your child needs a lot of help overnight, your local health services may be able to provide some night care to give you a break – ask your health visitor, paediatrician or community nurse.

Your OT or physio will advise you if your child needs a specialist bed. They may recommend a profiling bed which enables your child’s legs and / or back to be raised. This can provide a change of position and, if they are able, assist your child to sit up. Profiling beds can also be adjusted to different heights to suit you. This means that you or anyone caring for your child take care of your backs. These beds also have space underneath so that, if needed, a hoist for lifting your child in and out of bed can be positioned underneath. They are operated using an electronic control. Your child may be able to use this when they are older.

A sleep system may be recommended for some children. This uses wedges and rolls (usually made of foam or fibre) to help your child maintain a straighter and more comfortable position while they are sleeping. Your OT or community nurse can talk to you about whether this is needed and, if so, what would be the best system for your child. They will assess your child’s needs and apply for funding. You may also want to have a monitor set up for when your child is asleep.

Different people find different mattresses and pillows more comfortable. Your OT or community nurse can advise you what is available and what may best suit your child’s needs.

Satin or cotton ‘slide’ sheets on top of the mattress can make it easier to move and turn your child.

Some families find it useful to buy a portable electric pressure relieving mattress to take on holiday or when their child is staying with friends or relatives.

The NHS should fund a suitable bed and mattress for your child at their main home address. If parents are separated or children spend a lot of time with grandparents or other relatives it may not be possible for a second bed to be funded. It is unlikely a second portable pressure relieving mattress would be funded but it is worth asking your OT.

If you do need additional sleeping options, you may want to apply for help to buy them. Support and Outreach at SMA UK can suggest charities that may provide a grant. Most charities will not fund anything you have bought already. It is important not to place your order or pay any deposit until all your funding is ready or pledged. For more information see: Funding for Equipment on this page.

This can be a challenge for any child and their parents or carers. Talk to your health visitor or community nurse for advice.

There are a range of alarms, waterproofs and mattress covers to help with this. Your OT , physio or community nurse should be able to provide these or source funding for you. If you are having difficulties, contact Support and Outreach at SMA UK.