Where should my baby sleep?
Babies should always be in the same room as you for the first six months for sleep, day and night. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is lower when you have your baby sleep in the same room as you, compared to having them sleep alone.
This doesn’t mean you can’t leave the room to make a cup of tea or go to the toilet, but they’re safest if you’re close by most of the time. It means you can keep an eye on them and attend to them if they need anything.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in the same room as you but in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, lying on their back rather than their front or side. There are no devices on the market that can replace a parent or carer being in the same room as baby for safer sleep.
Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair
Sofas and armchairs are dangerous places to fall asleep with your baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher when babies 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.
Any time you think you might fall asleep with your baby, move them to a clear, flat, firm sleep surface. Make sure they are on their back on a flat surface, clear of extra items such as toys and blankets that could cover their head.
Co-sleeping with your baby
Co-sleeping is when parents or carers sleep together with their baby. Some parents choose to share a bed with the baby, and sometimes people fall asleep with their baby without meaning to. Whether you plan to co-sleep with your baby or you plan to sleep separately, we recommend learning more about co-sleeping. There are ways to make your bed as safe as possible for your baby, and times to avoid co-sleeping all together, such as if you’ve had any alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy.
- Room sharing: when a baby sleeps in the same room as their parent(s) or carer, but in their own separate sleeping space such as a cot or Moses basket.
- Bed sharing: when a baby shares the bed with an adult for most of the night including for sleep – not just to be comforted or fed.
- Sofa sharing: when a parent or carer sleeps on a sofa or armchair with a baby (remember, this is dangerous avoid falling asleep like this).
- Co-sleeping: when parents or carers sleep with a baby on a bed, sofa or chair.
Frequently asked questions
Your baby should sleep in their own separate sleep space with a flat, firm surface with a waterproof layer, such as a cot or Moses basket, that’s kept clear of extra items such as blankets and toys that could cover their head. They should sleep in the same room as you for at least the first six months.
Following these steps helps keep them safe and lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). You can find lots more information in our safer sleep pages. Your baby’s cot should also be away from any windows with direct sunlight, any radiators or other portable heat sources. As babies can’t regulate their own temperature, they could overheat which increases the risk of SIDS.
Your baby should sleep in the same room as you for at least the first six months. This reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Your baby should also sleep on their back, in a clear, flat, firm and waterproof cot or Moses basket. Read more about the safest cot, and baby bedding and mattresses.
Your baby should sleep in the same room as you for at least the first six months, day or 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’re sleeping they are safest if you’re close by. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket.
Remember
Room-sharing with your baby can give you peace of mind that your baby is in the safest place possible during the early months. As they get older, their needs will change, but for the first six months, keep them close by, but in their own separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket. This helps to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Follow our safer sleep advice for lots more information about creating a safer environment for your baby.
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