Supporting families to sleep safely if a home has mould/damp

This page has been created in collaboration with the National Child Mortality Database (NCMD), to support professionals working with families.

A corner of a wall showing a dark mould growing up the wall, next to a radiator and window.

Mother multitasking while her baby sleeps peacefully in her arms, speaking on the phone with a thoughtful expression. the quiet balance between caring for a sleeping newborn and handling daily responsibilities

The challenge for families

The health dangers associated with mould and damp are now well recognised. Many families are increasingly aware of these risks and may worry about how exposure could affect their children’s health.

Worry about the impact of mould and damp can lead families to change their sleeping arrangements in an attempt to protect their children from mould or damp. While these actions are well-intentioned, they can sometimes make it more difficult to follow safer sleep guidelines. This is usually because either there is limited space, or families can’t move the cot to another location within their home.

Housing, midwifery, and family support professionals all play a crucial role in recognising when this might happen and helping families to find safer, practical solutions.

How you can help

When a family contacts you about mould or damp in their home, take a few extra moments to check how this might be affecting the way their baby sleeps.

A professional is holding a leaflet talking to a family holding a baby

Ask about young children

Ask if the family have young children or look after young children (under the age of two years).

An illustration of a professional talking to a mum who has a question mark above her head, the professional is holding a leaflet

If the answer is yes

ask the family if they have changed their children’s sleeping arrangements as a result of the mould or damp.

An illustration of a mobile phone in a hand, with lots of apps

Explore their current sleeping arrangements

Highlight key safer sleep advice to the family, and talk through how this can be applied in their situation.

Vue d'ensemble d'un sommeil plus sûr

Illustrated A B C colourful blocks reading 'The ABCs of safer sleep'

Support families to access a safer sleep space

If the baby does not have their own clear, separate sleeping place (such as a cot, travel cot, or Moses basket), share The Lullaby Trust’s guidance on safer sleep away from home in emergency situations.

Dormir loin de chez soi en toute sécurité dans les situations d'urgence

Lady holding a baby, and another lady standing in front of her with her hand on the baby's back.

Sourcing a safer sleep space for the family

If the baby does not have their own clear, separate sleeping place such as a cot, travel cot or Moses basket, help the family access a suitable sleep space quickly. This could be through your local social services department, a baby bank, Home-Start or a local charity shop.

Emphasise the importance of each baby having their own safer sleep space, and find someone who will help the family sleep safer.

By taking these simple actions, you are helping families navigate difficult housing situations while still keeping their baby as safe as possible.

Thank you for giving families a safer start to life.

Sécurité des bébés

Sleeping safely in a home with damp or mould

A one-page guide for professionals supporting families to sleep safely in a home with mould or damp

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