Newborn sleep: how to keep your baby safe while they sleep

Newborns sleep a lot, but not always when or where you expect. This is the NHS safe sleep advice for every sleep, day and night.

The basics, for every sleep

On their back. Always place your baby on their back, feet-to-foot (feet at the bottom of the cot).
Firm, flat, waterproof mattress.
In your room. The NHS says to keep your baby in a separate cot or Moses basket in your room for every sleep, for at least the first 6 months.
Clear sleep space. No pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets, soft toys, or pods or nests.
Not too hot. Keep the room at about 16 to 20C. Check your baby’s chest or the back of their neck (cool hands and feet are normal), and remove layers if they are hot or sweating. Keep the cot away from radiators and heaters, and keep heating no higher than 20C if you leave it on overnight.
A baby sleeping bag. Use a lightweight baby sleeping bag instead of a blanket or swaddling.

Sofas and armchairs

The NHS says never to fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or in an armchair. If you feel you could drift off while feeding, put your baby back in their cot first.

Sharing a bed

The NHS says don’t share a bed if your baby was born before 37 weeks or weighed under 2.5kg (5.5lb), or if you or your partner smoke, have had 2 or more units of alcohol, have taken recreational drugs, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy. If you do share a bed, use a firm, flat mattress, keep bedding away from your baby, don’t put other children or pets in the bed, and make sure your baby can’t fall out or get trapped.

Smoking

Don’t smoke during pregnancy or around your baby, and don’t let anyone smoke in your baby’s room.

Slings, car seats and dummies

With a sling, follow the T.I.C.K.S. rules: Tight, In view, Close, Keep chin off chest, Support back. Take your baby out of the sling to feed them, especially if they are under 4 months old.
Take your baby out of the car seat as soon as you arrive, even if they fell asleep on the journey.
The NHS says to consider a dummy to settle your baby to sleep, as some research suggests it may lower the risk.

Premature babies

The NHS says to follow safe sleep advice for a year from the due date rather than the birth date.

Other things that help

The NHS says to keep routine vaccinations up to date. The NHS also says to breastfeed if you can, as any amount of breastfeeding lowers the risk. Formula-fed babies can lower their risk by following the rest of this advice.

Questions people ask

Should my baby use a dummy?

The NHS says to consider one to settle your baby to sleep, as some research suggests it may lower the risk.

What if I fall asleep with my baby?

The NHS says to never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or in an armchair. If you might fall asleep, put your baby back in the cot first, and tell your midwife or health visitor if you’re exhausted.

When can I stop room sharing?

The NHS says to keep your baby in your room for every sleep for at least the first 6 months.