SAFE SLEEP FOR BABIES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
Creating a safe sleep environment for your baby is one of the most important things you can do in those early months. With so much information available, it can feel overwhelming, so this guide brings together clear, trusted advice based on recommendations from the The Lullaby Trust and the NHS.
The Safest Place for Your Baby to Sleep
The safest place for your baby to sleep is:
In the same room as you for the first 6 months
In their own separate sleep space (cot, crib or Moses basket)
On a firm, flat mattress
Room-sharing (without bed-sharing) has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Always Place Baby on Their Back
Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep, for both naps and night sleep.
Once your baby can roll independently, you do not need to keep turning them back, but you should always place them down on their back initially.
Keep the Cot Clear
A clear sleep space is essential.
The cot should be free from:
Pillows
Duvets or quilts
Cot bumpers
Soft toys
Loose blankets
If using a blanket, it should be:
Firmly tucked in
No higher than your baby’s shoulders
Many parents choose a well-fitted sleeping bag as a safe alternative.
Temperature Matters
Babies should not get too hot while sleeping.
Guidelines suggest:
A room temperature of 16–20°C
Dress your baby appropriately for the room
Avoid overheating (no hats indoors during sleep)
A good rule of thumb is to check your baby’s chest or back of neck, rather than hands or feet.
Avoid Sleeping on Sofas or Chairs
Sleeping with your baby on a sofa or armchair carries a significantly increased risk and should always be avoided.
If you feel sleepy while feeding, it’s safer to:
Lie down on a clear, flat surface
Ensure there are no pillows, duvets or hazards nearby
A Smoke-Free Environment
Keeping your baby in a completely smoke-free environment, both during pregnancy and after birth, is one of the most important ways to reduce risk.
Consistency is Key
Safe sleep guidance applies to:
Night sleep
Naps
At home and when travelling
Keeping your baby’s sleep environment consistent helps reduce risk and also supports more settled sleep patterns.
A Gentle Reminder
Safe sleep is about creating a consistent, low-risk environment, not about perfection.
If things don’t always go exactly to plan, that’s okay. What matters most is understanding the guidance and applying it as consistently as possible.
References
The Lullaby Trust (2024). Safer sleep for babies: A guide for parents.
The Lullaby Trust. Safer sleep advice and SIDS risk reduction guidance.
NHS (2023). Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – How to reduce the risk.
NHS. How to keep your baby safe while sleeping.
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