Safer sleep information

Safer sleep reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, previously known as cot death) occurring. Follow this expert advice until your child is 12 months old (adjusted for premature or low birthweight babies), and we hope this helps give you peace of mind.

Safer sleep overview
A baby is sleeping in on their back, with their head tilted to the side. They have dark hair, light skin and wear a polkadot baby grow. Their arms are rested either side of their head.

Learn all about safer sleeping

A baby in a blue baby grow is sleeping on their back in a wooden cot with a firm mattress.

Sleeping position

The best and safest baby sleep position is on their back for every sleep, day or night. Discover more about the safest sleeping position for your baby.

Sleeping position
A baby is sleeping on their back in their cot with a dummy in their mouth. They have a medium skin tone and their mum has her hand on their chest.

Keeping a clear cot

The safest cot is a clear cot. To lower the risk of SIDS, keep the cot clear of any items that could cover your baby's face and head. Discover more about the safest cot for your baby.

Keeping a clear cot
A thermometer, shaped as a flower, sits on a baby's cot.

Room temperature

The recommended room temperature for babies is 16 - 20°C, helping to reduce the risk of SIDS. Discover more about the safest room temperature for your baby.

Room temperature
Illustration of a man, woman and baby sleeping. The man and woman are both facing in the direction of the baby, who is sleeping next to mum. The baby is sleeping on the mattress, with no bedding covering them and no pillow beneath their head.

Co-sleeping

Sleeping together with your baby is known as co-sleeping. Discover more about co-sleeping more safely with your baby.

Co-sleeping
One man is holding a baby with the baby's head near his chin. The other man is holding the baby's hand in his, and putting his mouth to the baby's hand. Both men are smiling.

Room sharing

It's important to have your baby sleeping in the same room as you for at least the first six months, which is called room sharing. Discover more about room sharing.

Room sharing
A baby is being breastfed by their mum. They look very young, have curly dark hair and dark skin. Their mum is looking down at them.

Breastfeeding

Breastmilk contains all the nutrients your baby needs for their first six months of life. But it can also reduce the risk of SIDS. Discover more about breastfeeding and SIDS.

Breastfeeding
A baby is laying on their back playing with toys dangling above. They are wearing an orange and white stripey baby grow.

Baby's airway

It's important to keeps your baby's airway open and clear so your baby can breathe. Discover more about protecting your baby's delicate airway when awake or sleeping.

Baby’s airway