Safe sleep for newborns

Back to sleep

Always put your baby on their back to sleep, for every sleep, day and night. This is the most important thing you can do to lower the risk of sudden infant death.

A clear, flat space

Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in a cot or Moses basket. No pillows, duvets, bumpers or soft toys.

Place your baby with their feet at the foot of the cot, so they cannot wriggle under covers.

Same room

Keep your baby in a cot in your room for at least the first six months.

The right temperature

A room temperature of 16 to 20 degrees is ideal. Do not use hats indoors, and check your baby’s chest or back to see if they are too hot.

Things to avoid

Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. Do not smoke during pregnancy or around your baby.

If you share a bed, do it safely. Do not share if you or your partner smoke, have drunk alcohol, or taken drugs or sedating medicines.