Back to sleep

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 'back to sleep' important?

Placing your baby on their back when sleeping will help to keep your baby safer and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Sudden infant death syndrome is the sudden death of a baby which is not explained by other causes.

Three steps to take to keep your baby safer when sleeping

Put your baby on their back to sleep for every sleep
Sleep in a clear flat space (for most babies this will be in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as you).
Keep your baby smoke free day and night

Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby. This can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome by 50 times.

Co-sleeping

Co-sleeping means that your baby shares the same bed or other sleep surfaces with an adult for most of the night, and not just to be comforted or fed. If for any reason you are considering co-sleeping, it is essential that you speak to your health visitor who can assess your baby’s sleep environment and suggest ways of making it safer.

When not to co-sleep

It is important for you to know that there are some circumstances in which co-sleeping with your baby can be very dangerous:

Either you or your partner smokes (even if you do not smoke in the bedroom)
Either you or your partner has drunk alcohol or taken drugs (including medications that may make you drowsy)
You are extremely tired
Your baby was born premature (37 weeks or less)
Your baby was born at a low weight (2.5kg or 5½ lbs or less)

You should never sleep together with your baby if any of the above points apply to you or your partner.

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: