Following this advice for every sleep, day and night, reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, previously known as cot death).
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, firm separate sleep space (e.g. a cot or Moses basket) in the same room as you.
- Lie your baby on their back.
- Keep their cot clear.
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof
- Keep baby smoke-free.
- Avoid your baby getting too hot.
- Sleep your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months.
Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of SIDS.
Co-sleeping with your baby is very dangerous if
- You or anyone in the bed has recently drunk any alcohol
- You or anyone in the bed smokes or the baby was exposed to smoking in pregnancy
- You or anyone in the bed has taken any drugs or medication that make you feel sleepy
- Your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or weighed under 2.5kg or 5.5 pounds when they were born.
The Baby Sleep Info Source (BASIS) provides information about normal infant sleep based upon the latest UK and world-wide research, and information safe co-sleeping.
If you have any queries about Safe Sleep for your baby speak to your midwife or health visitor.