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What “safe sleep” means

Safe sleep is about reducing the risk of sudden infant death and sleep accidents. In practical terms for UK families, it means putting your baby down on a firm, flat surface on their back, keeping their sleep space clear, and sharing your room (not your bed) for the first six months. These simple habits make the biggest difference.

Set up a safe sleep space

1. Choose a firm, flat cot, crib or Moses basket

   Use a properly fitting mattress in good condition with one waterproof mattress protector under a fitted sheet. Avoid soft, tilted or moulded surfaces.

2. Place baby on their back for every sleep

   Start every nap and night on the back. Once your baby can roll both ways by themselves, let them find their own position—still start them on their back.

3. Keep the cot clear

   No pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, sleep positioners, pods, nests, wedges or soft toys. A clear sleep space reduces overheating and suffocation risks.

4. Use light bedding or a well‑fitting sleep bag

   If using blankets, tuck them under the mattress, no higher than shoulder height, with baby’s feet at the foot of the cot. A baby sleep bag should fit well at the neck and armholes and be an appropriate warmth (tog) for the room.

5. Put the cot in your room for the first six months

   Room‑sharing makes night feeds easier and is safer than separate rooms. Keep the cot away from radiators, direct sun and blind cords.

Bedding, clothing and temperature

Babies are safest comfortably warm, not hot. Dress your baby in light layers you can add or remove. A vest and sleepsuit with either a tucked‑in blanket or an appropriate sleep bag is typical. Check your baby’s temperature by feeling their chest or back (hands and feet often feel cooler and aren’t a good guide). Keep your baby’s head uncovered indoors and remove hats once you come inside.

Room-sharing and bed-sharing

Room‑sharing (baby in their own cot, in your room) for the first six months lowers risk and makes checks easier. Some families consider bed‑sharing for feeding and closeness. The safest option is always a separate, clear sleep space. If you choose to bed‑share, make the bed as safe as possible and know the red‑flag situations when you must not share a bed.

Safer choices for nights and feeds

Option	What to know	When to avoid
Room‑sharing in a cot	Recommended for first 6 months; easy to feed and settle while keeping space clear.	Avoid placing cot near radiators, dangling cords or in direct sunlight.
Bed‑sharing	Keep bedding low and away from baby’s face; use a firm mattress; place baby away from pillows and edges.	Never bed‑share if you’ve had alcohol, taken drugs or sedatives, if you smoke, are extremely tired, or if baby is premature/low birth weight.
Sofa or armchair	Very high risk for accidental suffocation, even for brief dozes.	Do not sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair at any time.

Dummies, feeding and settling

Offering a dummy (pacifier) at the start of sleep can reduce risk for some babies. If you’re breastfeeding, consider introducing a dummy once feeding is established. Don’t force a dummy if baby refuses it, and don’t reinsert it after baby is asleep. Never attach a dummy to a string, ribbon or clip while sleeping.

Breastfeeding is linked with lower risk. Whatever and however you feed, keep the sleep space clear, lay baby on their back, and place them down on a firm, flat surface once they’re settled.

Prams, car seats and daytime naps

The safest place for every sleep is a firm, flat cot, crib, Moses basket or travel cot. Car seats are designed for travel. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, pram or sling, keep an eye on their head and chin position, avoid overheating and move them to a flat sleep surface as soon as you can. Don’t let your baby sleep unstrapped in a pram, and keep the pram well ventilated (no blankets draped over the front).

Swaddling and sleep bags

If you swaddle, use a light, breathable layer, keep swaddling below the shoulders, leave room for hips and legs to move, and always place your baby on their back. Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling. Sleep bags are a good alternative: choose the correct size so the neck and armholes fit snugly and baby can’t slip down inside. Never use a sleep bag with additional loose blankets over the top.

Smoking, alcohol, medicines and illness

Keep your baby’s environment smoke‑free before and after birth. Don’t bed‑share if you or your partner have had alcohol, taken recreational drugs, or are using sedating medicines. If your baby is unwell, has a fever or was born prematurely or with a low birth weight, take extra care to avoid overheating and ensure a clear, separate sleep space. For individual medical advice, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do

• Place baby on their back for every sleep.
• Use a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet.
• Room‑share for the first six months.
• Dress baby in light layers; check chest for warmth.
• Keep the cot clear and baby’s head uncovered.

Don’t

• Don’t use pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, nests or positioners.
• Don’t sleep with baby on a sofa or armchair.
• Don’t let cords, ribbons or clips near the cot.
• Don’t overdress or overheat the room.
• Don’t bed‑share if you’ve had alcohol, drugs or you smoke.

Safe sleep FAQs

Can my newborn sleep on their side?

No. Always place your baby on their back for every sleep. Side and tummy positions are less safe. Once they can roll both ways, let them choose.

Is a second‑hand mattress safe?

Use a firm, flat mattress in good condition with no sagging, tears or staining. If you’re unsure of its history, choose a new one with a waterproof cover.

What should my baby wear to bed?

Light layers you can add or remove. A vest and sleepsuit with a tucked‑in blanket or a correctly sized sleep bag is typical. Keep the head uncovered.

Are sleep positioners, nests or pods safe overnight?

No. Anything soft, padded or inclined is not suitable for unattended sleep. Use a clear, firm, flat cot, crib, Moses basket or travel cot instead.

Can I use a fan in the room?

Yes, a fan can help air circulate. Keep it away from the cot, not blowing directly on baby, and ensure cords are out of reach.

How long can a baby sleep in a car seat?

Car seats are for travel. Keep time in the car seat as short as possible, take regular breaks on longer journeys, and transfer your baby to a flat sleep surface as soon as you can, especially after the journey ends.