Safer Sleep for Babies

To reduce the chance of SIDS, families should follow key advice for baby sleep.

• Put them on their BACK for every sleep
  • Put your baby down on their back – not their front or side – for every sleep
  • No special equipment or products are needed to keep them on their back.  Once they start to roll from front to back by themselves, you can leave them to find their own position for sleep
  • Tummy time while awake can help to strengthen the muscles they need for rolling
• Keep them SMOKE FREE day and night
  • Smoking in pregnancy greatly increases the chance of SIDS – all pregnant women should make every effort to take up the help to stop smoking provided locally
  • You should also avoid being exposed to others’ smoke when you are pregnant – if your partner smokes they can get help to quit too
  • Keep your baby away from smoke in your home, car and out and about
• In a CLEAR, FLAT, SEPARATE SLEEP SPACE – Whatever space you choose, follow these guidelines:
  • A firm, flat mattress with no raised or cushioned areas
  • No pillows, duvets, bumpers or weighted bedding
  • No pods, nests or sleep positioners
  • Make sure your baby’s head is kept uncovered so they don’t get too hot. Try to keep the room temperature between 16 and 20 degrees so your baby does not get too hot or cold and make sure bedding is appropriate for the time of year
  • Place baby at the bottom of the cot so that they cannot wriggle under covers – this is called ‘feet to foot’
  • Ensure that the sleep space, is kept clear of all items and there is nothing within reach of the space e.g., blind cords, soft toys or nappy sacks
  • Babies should always be in the same room as you for the first six months for sleep, day and night. This doesn’t mean you can’t leave the room to make a cup of tea or go to the toilet, but for most of the time when they are sleeping they are safest if you are close by
  • Babies should not be allowed to sleep in bouncy chairs and babies should not be left sleeping in the car seat when not travelling in the car. Car seats are not to be used as sleep spaces in the house

More information:

• The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep for babies, a guide for parents
• NHS Start for Life – newborn and baby sleeping advice for parents