1. Read our safer sleep guidance for early years settings
An overview of the safer sleep guidance that all early years settings should be aware of to reduce the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Three ways to improve the safety of your setting
2. Take our early years training
This essential training is specifically designed for early years professionals who are directly responsible for placing babies to sleep.
3. Buy our resources
Here you can buy our early years resources. In this guide and poster is all the information and guidance you need to equip staff with the confidence to reduce the risk of SIDS.
We’re here for you, and for every baby
It is important that all early years settings are aware of how to reduce the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We know that safer sleep saves lives. Since our Back to Sleep campaign in 1991, over 30,000 babies’ lives have been saved. Though we don’t know what causes SIDS, we know that safer sleep greatly reduces that risk.
If you can’t find the answer to your question, don’t hesitate to contact us. That’s what we’re here for.
If your question relates to why a particular requirement has been included in the EYFS, we recommend contacting the Department for Education directly. The Lullaby Trust contributed expert advice to inform the safer sleep content of the new statutory framework, but we cannot interpret or enforce these requirements. We are however here to help in supporting your understanding of the evidence behind safer sleep advice for babies up to 12 months old. Our team can provide evidence-based information, practical advice and training to support safer sleep in your setting.
Download our free resources
We have a variety of resources available to download digitally for free, or purchase physical copies in our shop.
Early years guide
A safer sleep guide for childminders, foster carers, nannies and nursery settings.
Early years poster
A handy poster with advice on what babies should sleep in in early years settings.
Audit tool for pros
You can use this audit checklist as a way of ensuring that you are providing a safer sleep space for the babies in your care.
Checklist for families
We also have this checklist resource for parents looking around early years settings, it helps families have conversations with childcare providers and ask the right questions. You may wish to familiarise yourself with it.
Take our early years training
With a clear focus on real-world application, this training will enhance your understanding of SIDS and sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), what increases the risk, and the protective role of safer sleep.
Gigi's legacy
Genevieve Meehan, lovingly known as Gigi, was a nine-month-old with a captivating smile and mischievous personality. Tragically, Gigi was killed whilst in nursery care.
When being placed down to sleep, Gigi was tightly swaddled inside a blanket and strapped face down onto a bean bag. Gigi’s death resulted in a manslaughter conviction. But as the investigation unfolded, it also highlighted issues that extended beyond one person’s actions. The evidence revealed opportunities where stronger guidance could’ve helped to prevent what happened to Gigi and could help protect other babies in the future.
Gigi’s parents, Katie and John, have partnered with The Lullaby Trust and their local MP Tom Morrison, to launch the Campaign for Gigi. This campaign is in response to the facts of Gigi’s story, and the evidence-based changes that could help prevent future tragedies. Her story is a heart-breaking example of what can happen when systems fail and safeguards are missing.
We recognise that so many early years professionals are skilled, dedicated and committed to children’s safety and wellbeing. Every day, you work with care and dedication, often under pressure with limited resources.
We want to see early years professionals better supported and given all the tools and knowledge they need to keep children safe.
Learn more about SIDS and baby safety
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Statistics on SIDS
Since parents and carers have been following the risk reduction advice first promoted in the early 1990s, the number of infants dying has fallen significantly.
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Evidence base
Our baby safety advice is based on decades of research. This has helped us understand the risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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Preventing infection
Babies are more vulnerable to infections than older children, especially in their first few weeks. Here you will find the signs and symptoms to look out for that your baby might be unwell.
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Baby's airway
How to keep your baby's airway open so they can breathe easily while they’re sleeping. Find safe ways for your baby to sleep, to help keep their airway open and clear.