Newborn sleep can feel unpredictable. One night your baby settles in a Moses basket; the next, they only seem content in your arms. Although sleep patterns vary, the safety advice is reassuringly consistent. UK safe sleep guidelines for babies focus on a clear, flat sleep space, placing your baby on their back and keeping them close without sharing the same sleep surface. Following these steps for every nap and night-time sleep helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and avoidable sleep-related accidents.
The safest sleep setup for the first six months
For at least the first six months, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own cot or Moses basket in the same room as you, during the day as well as at night. Room-sharing makes it easier to feed and comfort your baby while keeping their sleep area separate.
The mattress should be firm, flat, waterproof and a snug fit, with no gaps around the edges. Keep the cot clear: your baby does not need pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, soft toys, sleep positioners, pods or padded nests. These items may cover the face, trap heat or create gaps where a baby could become wedged.
Remember the essentials as “clear, flat and firm”. Before each sleep, look at the cot from your baby’s level. If anything could reach their mouth or nose, remove it. Parents preparing a nursery may also find a guide to choosing a safe cot and mattress useful.
Always put your baby on their back
Place your baby on their back at the start of every sleep. Side and front sleeping are not recommended, even if the baby appears more settled that way. Back sleeping is one of the most important SIDS prevention measures.
If your baby rolls onto their front but cannot yet roll back, gently return them to their back when you notice. Once they can confidently roll both ways by themselves, continue putting them down on their back but allow them to find their own position. Do not use wedges or restraints to prevent rolling.
Choose bedding that cannot cover the face
A well-fitting baby sleeping bag is a simple option because it cannot be kicked over the head. Make sure it fits securely around the shoulders and suits your baby’s weight and the room temperature. Do not add a duvet or loose blanket on top.
If you use a blanket, place your baby in the feet-to-foot position, with their feet close to the bottom of the cot. Tuck a lightweight cellular blanket firmly under the mattress and keep it no higher than the shoulders. Do not fold it over, as doubled fabric can make your baby too warm.
Keep your baby’s head uncovered indoors. Hats are not needed for sleep at home, and removing them helps your baby release excess heat. A guide to choosing a baby sleeping bag can be a useful next read when comparing blanket and bag options.
Prevent overheating
A bedroom temperature of around 16°C to 20°C is generally recommended. A room thermometer can help, but also feel your baby’s chest or the back of their neck rather than their hands or feet, which often feel cooler. If the skin is hot, clammy or sweaty, remove a layer.
Adjust clothing and sleeping-bag tog to the room, not simply the season. During warm weather, your baby may need fewer layers; in winter, add suitable clothing rather than thick, loose bedding. Never use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket in a baby’s sleep space.
Plan for night feeds before you are exhausted
Unsafe situations often happen unintentionally when a tired adult falls asleep during a feed. The safest approach is to return your baby to their cot or Moses basket before you sleep. Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair, where the risk of suffocation and SIDS is much higher.
Consider a realistic 3 a.m. routine: keep the cot beside your bed, move pillows and the duvet away before feeding, and set a gentle alarm if you are likely to doze. When the feed is finished, place your baby back on their back in the clear cot. Planning for tiredness is more useful than assuming you will stay awake. A fuller guide to safer night feeding can help families prepare.
When bed-sharing is especially unsafe
The separate cot remains the safest choice. Do not share a bed with your baby if you or your partner smoke, have drunk alcohol, used recreational drugs, taken medicine that causes drowsiness or are extremely tired. Bed-sharing is also strongly advised against if your baby was premature or had a low birth weight. Keep other children and pets out of the bed.
Other steps that support newborn safety
Keep your baby’s environment smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth. Breastfeeding, when possible, is associated with a lower risk of SIDS, but safe sleep advice applies equally to all babies. Keeping routine vaccinations up to date also protects against illnesses that can make young babies vulnerable.
Some research suggests that offering a dummy at sleep time may lower SIDS risk. If you use one, do not force it, attach it to clothing or bedding, or replace it once your baby is asleep. Breastfeeding families may prefer to wait until feeding is established and discuss timing with a midwife or health visitor.
Apply the same routine at grandparents’ homes and with childcare providers. Share the instructions with anyone who looks after your baby. A newborn safety checklist can help every caregiver follow the same approach.
Frequently asked questions
Can my baby sleep on their side for reflux?
Babies should normally be placed flat on their back, including those with reflux. Do not raise the head of the cot or use a wedge unless a qualified healthcare professional has given specific medical advice. Speak to your GP or health visitor if reflux is severe or your baby is not feeding or gaining weight well.
What should my baby wear to sleep?
Choose layers according to the room temperature and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for any sleeping bag. Check your baby’s chest or the back of their neck. Hands and feet can feel cool without the baby being cold.
When can a baby have a pillow or duvet?
Pillows and duvets are not suitable for babies under 12 months because they can obstruct breathing and contribute to overheating. Keep the cot clear and use a correctly fitted sleeping bag or securely tucked lightweight blanket instead.
A simple routine makes safer sleep easier
You do not need expensive sleep products to protect your baby. Place them on their back, use a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress, keep the cot in your room for the first six months and avoid overheating. Apply the same routine for every sleep and every caregiver. If your baby was premature, has a medical condition or you are unsure about their sleep position, ask your midwife, health visitor or GP for personalised advice.
