One of the most important things you can do to keep your baby safer from the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is to put your baby on their back to sleep, for every sleep.
Why is it important?
Keeping your baby safe and comfortable is a top priority for every parent. Following simple, clear guidance greatly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
For more helpful tips and support, take a look at the Safer Sleep Guidance from the Lullaby Trust.
Key steps to keep your baby safe while sleeping
- Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, using the feet-to-foot position (with their feet touching the end of the cot or Moses basket) to prevent them from sliding down under blankets
- Keep your baby's sleep space clear, flat, and firm - ideally in a Moses basket or cot in the same room as you for the first 6 months
- Ensure your baby stays in a completely smoke-free space, both day and night
Understanding SIDS and protecting your baby
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby. Always placing your baby to sleep on their back is one of the most important steps you can take to protect them.
Avoid falling asleep with your baby on an armchair or sofa, as this can significantly increase the risk of SIDS.
Understanding co-sleeping
Co-sleeping means sharing the same bed or sleep surface with your baby for most of the night. If you are considering co-sleeping, please speak with your health visitor first. They can assess your baby's sleeping environment and guide you on making it as safe as possible.
When co-sleeping is high risk
You must avoid co-sleeping if any of the following apply to you, your partner, or anyone sharing the bed:
- Smoking: Anyone in the bed smokes (even if not in the bedroom)
- Alcohol or medication: Anyone has consumed alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications that cause drowsiness
- Extreme fatigue: You or your partner are unusually exhausted
- Premature birth: Your baby was born premature (at or before 37 weeks)
- Low birth weight: Your baby weighed 2.5kg (5½ lbs) or less at birth
You should never sleep together with your baby if any of the above points apply to you or your partner.
Critical warning: Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is up to 50 times higher in these home environments, and there is a severe danger of suffocation.
First point of contact
It may be difficult to talk about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome as it can make you feel anxious about the safety of your baby. However, it is very important that we talk together about this to ensure the safety of your baby and ways to reduce the risk. Your health visitor is an important contact.
Safer sleep help information line:
- Lullaby Trust safer sleep information line
0808 802 6869
Local services and information
- Hackney and City Health Visiting service
020 7683 4151 (9-5pm Monday to Friday)
huh-tr.hackneyandcityhv@nhs.net - Homerton Health Visiting - safer sleep webpages
- Reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (translated community languages)
National resources
Safer sleep
- Coping with sleep deprivation video (Lullaby Trust)
- Caring for your baby at night-leaflet (UNICEF)
- Lullaby Trust Safer Sleep video
- Crying and sleeping leaflet
- Baby and toddler sleep advice (Tiny Happy People)
- Henry – bedtime tips
- Baby sleep patterns - how long should my baby sleep (Lullaby Trust)
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