Safe Sleeping Guidance
Supporting safer sleep in the early weeks and months
Sleep can be one of the biggest topics parents think about after birth - and with so much information online, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The good news is that there are a few simple, evidence-based recommendations that can significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and help create a safer sleep environment for your baby. Guidance consistently recommends placing babies on their back, in a clear and flat sleep space, in the same room as you for the first six months.
Key safer sleep recommendations
Current NHS and Lullaby Trust guidance recommends:
✓ Always place your baby on their back for every sleep - day and night. Back sleeping has been associated with a significant reduction in SIDS.
✓ Use a clear, flat sleep space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket with a firm mattress. Avoid pillows, duvets, nests, sleep positioners and loose bedding.
✓ Keep baby in the same room as you for the first 6 months for all sleeps where possible. Room-sharing is associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
✓ Avoid overheating - an ideal room temperature is around 16–20°C and babies should not wear hats indoors when sleeping.
✓ Keep your baby smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth, as smoking significantly increases SIDS risk.
✓ Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair, even if you think you may only doze. Sofa sharing can greatly increase risk. One Lullaby Trust poster notes sleeping on a sofa or armchair with your baby may increase SIDS risk by up to 50 times.
Bedsharing and feeding at night
Many parents feed or comfort babies overnight and may unintentionally fall asleep. Safe sleep conversations should be realistic and non-judgemental.
The resources below include guidance around bedsharing, overnight feeding and reducing risks if sleep happens unexpectedly, alongside situations where bedsharing is not recommended.
Slings, car seats and daytime sleep
Babies should not routinely sleep in car seats, bouncy chairs, swings or seated devices when not travelling. If a baby falls asleep in one of these, guidance recommends moving them to a flat sleep surface as soon as practical.
If using a sling or carrier, remember the TICKS guidance:
Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off chest
Supported back
Resources
Download
Safer Sleep Guide for Parents (The Lullaby Trust)
Evidence-based guidance on reducing SIDS risk and creating a safer sleep environment.
Caring for Your Baby at Night & When Sleeping (UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative)
Practical information around night feeds, room-sharing, bedsharing and sleep safety.
ABCs of Safer Sleep Poster
A quick visual reminder: Back, Clear sleep space, Cot/crib.
Sofa Sharing Safety Poster
Important guidance around sofa sleeping risks.
Safer Sleep Essentials Poster
Helpful checklist of safer sleep essentials and setup.