This is an overview of the latest advice on safer sleep for babies, which helps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It’s important that anyone caring for your baby follows this advice for every sleep, day and night, until your baby is 12 months old (adjusted for premature babies).
Want to know why? Tap here to learn more about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death.
Safer sleep for babies: a summary
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space (e.g. a cot or Moses basket) in the same room as you.
- Lie baby on their back
- Keep the cot clear
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress
- Keep baby smoke-free
- Avoid baby getting too hot
- Sleep baby in the same room as you for at least the first 6 months
More information: safer sleep for babies
Bedding
Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Therefore, using lightweight layers is a key step in providing safer sleep for babies. This means no duvets, quilts or weighted blankets, etc. Using lightweight bedding will allow you to easily take a layer off if your baby becomes too hot.
Sleep surface
Any surface that has raised or cushioned areas is not suitable for a baby to sleep on (even if it is sold in a well-known store). Instead, choose a mattress that is completely flat, and is firm enough that baby’s head can only sink in by a few millimeters.
The mattress should also have a waterproof cover to stop bacteria getting in.
Delicate airway
A baby’s airway is delicate and can easily block, narrow or fold, making it difficult for them to breathe. A firm, flat, clear sleep space helps keep your baby’s airway clear and open. Products that aren’t firm and flat aren’t suitable for naps or sleeps.
Top tips
ABC
An easy way to remember our advice is to think of your ABCs:
ALWAYS sleep your baby
on their BACK
in a CLEAR cot or sleep space
Routine
Creating a sleep-preparation routine that follows the latest advice on safer sleep for babies can help you remember everything and it will soon become an easy habit. To get started, spend some time thinking about a routine that will work for you and then repeat it for every sleep, day and night.
Here is an example to get you started:
️ ↩️ Back to the safer sleep basics menu
Safer sleep resources
Here are a few free resources that you might find helpful:
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ABC information poster |
Safer sleep animation for expectant families |
Product guide |
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Co-sleeping information |
The Lullaby Trust Instagram page |
Safer sleep information phoneline |
You can also visit our publications page for more free resources about safer sleep for babies or watch some more of our baby safety animations.
