Safer sleep for babies
Following this advice for every sleep, day and night, reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, previously known as cot death).
This information has been taken from The Lullaby Trust which is a charity that exists to keep babies safe.
The basics
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, firm separate sleep space (e.g. a cot or Moses basket) in the same room as you.
- Lie your baby on their back.
- Keep their cot clear.
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress.
- Keep baby smoke-free.
- Avoid your baby getting too hot.
- Sleep your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months.
Co-sleeping with your baby
Many parents find themselves co-sleeping whether they mean to or they fall asleep together unintentionally. Wherever you’re planning for your baby to sleep, we recommend making your bed as safe as possible for your baby. The Lullaby Trust has developed a specific page Co-sleeping with your baby which offers advice and guidance on:
- how to create a safer environment for sleep
- when to avoid co-sleeping completely, and
- how to reduce the risk of SIDS
- frequently asked questions
Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can’t breathe.
Sleeping away from home with a baby
Planning ahead will help you create a safer sleep environment whenever you go away. A cot, travel cot or Moses basket are all ideal, but there are other options if you don't have access to one. please visit The Lullaby Trusts Safer sleep away from home with a baby page for tips and advice on how to plan ahead.
The page includes information on
- ideal sleep spaces for travel
- prams
- safer co-sleeping
- when not to co-sleep
- where not to sleep
- frequently asked questions
Safer sleep away from home in emergency situations
Fleeing from a conflict or crisis means that sleeping conditions will be unpredictable. While it might not be possible to follow all the safer sleep guidelines, The Lullaby Trust has created some advice that will help you adapt your routine and use what is available to create a safer space for your baby to sleep. Babies need just a few basic items for sleep: a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and well-fitted bedding. Keep the sleeping area clear.
If you have access to a cot or moses basket, this is ideal. If you don't have access to these, then there are other options: a travel cot, pram or carrycot or a baby box. Products like beanbags, swings and baby bouncers are not recommended for sleep spaces. Visit Baby sleeping products | The Lullaby Trust for more information.
If you need to bring your baby into bed with you, follow The Lullaby Trust guidelines on how to bedshare more safely. For example:
- keep adult bedding away from them so it can’t cover their face,
- sleep baby on their back and,
- don’t bring other children or any pets into bed with you.
- make sure your baby can’t get trapped between the wall and the mattress.
As advised in the co-sleeping with your baby section above, advice is to never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby as this increases the risk of SIDS to 50 times higher.