Safer Sleep Advice: Essential Guidelines for Parents and Caregivers

Every parent, caregiver, and anyone involved in a child's sleep routine should be well-informed about safe sleep practices. Following these guidelines helps reduce any potential risks during your baby's sleep and supporting their safety and well-being.

While recommendations may vary by region, it’s important to stay updated with the latest guidance for your location. Below, we’ve outlined key safe sleep practices in line with current UK recommendations. Always consult your local health resources to stay informed.

1. Always Place Your Baby to Sleep on Their Back

This is one of the most important pieces of safety advice. Placing your baby on their back to sleep is proven to significantly reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep related dangers.

2. Your Baby Should Have a Firm, Flat Mattress

Your baby should sleep on a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that is in good condition. Make sure it fits snugly within the cot, with no gaps where your baby’s head or body could become trapped.

3. Room Sharing for the First Six Months

It is recommended that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for at least the first six months for all daytime and nighttime sleep. This not only makes night-time feeding easier but has also been shown to be protective. A cot or Moses basket can be used to allow your baby to sleep where you are.

4. Avoid Smoking

Smoking during pregnancy and while breastfeeding increases the risk of SIDS. It is crucial that there is no smoking around your baby, and smokers should never co-sleep/bed-share with infants. Exposure to second-hand smoke, even after birth, should be avoided.

5. Learn to Co-Sleep Safely

Do not share a bed with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, taking drugs (including prescription medication that causes drowsiness), or if you are excessively tired. These factors can impair your ability to respond to your baby’s needs and increase the risk of suffocation. Additionally, smoking parents should avoid bed-sharing for safety reasons.

6. Avoid Falling Asleep with Your Baby on Sofas or Armchairs

Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. This is one of the most significant risk factors for harm to come to a baby during sleep due to the risk of baby falling, becoming trapped or suffocating in the soft furnishings. If you feel sofa sleeping with your little one could happen to you seek support or learn to co-sleep safely.

7. Regulate Room Temperature

To prevent overheating or getting too cold, bedroom temperature should be kept between 16-20°C. This ensures a comfortable and safe environment for your baby to sleep in.

8. Head Uncovered, Blankets Tucked Safely

Keep your baby’s head uncovered while they sleep. Any blanket should be tucked securely around their shoulders, but never placed higher than their chest or neck. Overhead coverings can obstruct airflow, and blankets that are too loose may lead to accidental suffocation. Sleep sacks can be a wonderful way to avoid having any loose blankets in the cot.

9. Position Your Baby Correctly

Always place your baby in the “feet to foot” position, meaning their feet should be at the bottom of the cot or Moses basket. This helps ensure they cannot wriggle down under the blanket.

10. Keep the Sleep Area Free of Hazards

Remove any soft toys, pillows, soft bedding, or cot bumpers from the cot. These can be dangerous as they increase the risk of suffocation, entrapment, or overheating. Also ensure that there are no wires from baby monitors or other equipment dangling in or near the cot and that the baby could not access an electrical socket from their sleep space.

By following these safe sleep guidelines, you are taking proactive steps to ensure your baby’s sleep environment is as safe as possible. If you have any concerns or questions about your baby’s sleep habits or sleep environment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider, health visitor or midwife for personalised advice and guidance.

For more information on safer sleep practices, visit trusted resources such as the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.