Following safer sleep advice can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sometimes called cot death. Although SIDS is rare, it still affects around 200 babies each year in the UK.
There are simple steps you can take to help keep your baby safe while they sleep:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in a cot or Moses basket. Sleeping on a sofa or armchair with a baby can increase the chance of SIDS by up to 50 times.
- Keep your baby in the same room as you (or anyone looking after them) for all sleeps (day and night) during the first six months.
- Keep your baby smoke-free, day and night.
- Do not share a bed with your baby if you or anyone else has been smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs or medication that causes drowsiness
- Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair – this greatly increases the risk of SIDS
Expert advice:
- Bed-sharing is not recommended if your baby was born before 37 weeks or weighed less than 2.5kg (5.5lbs) at birth
- For premature babies, follow safer sleep advice for one year from their due date
- Make sure anyone caring for your baby (family, friends or childminders) knows and follows safer sleep advice
Learn more
You can find more advice and guidance in the resources below:
Safer Sleep for Babies (Video)
Buying baby products: A Guide for parents
- Public Health Agency – Safe sleeping
- The Lullaby Trust – Safer Sleep Advice
- The Lullaby Trust – Information for carers
- Caring for your baby at night
- Co-sleeping guidance
- Advice for premature babies