Parent Guide: Safe Sleep (Updated for 2026)
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
Helping your baby sleep safely can feel overwhelming — especially with so much advice available. The good news is that safe sleep guidance is clear, simple, and highly effective.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about creating a safe sleep environment, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and feeling confident at bedtime.
Why safe sleep matters
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is rare, but following safer sleep guidance significantly reduces the risk.
Small, consistent steps — like placing your baby on their back and keeping their sleep space clear — make a big difference.
The safest sleep position
The safest sleeping position for a baby is on their back so always place them on their back to sleep and not on their front or side.
This greatly decreases the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Once your little one can move themselves from their back to their front and back again, they will be able to find their own sleeping position. The first few times they roll onto their tummy you might want to gently turn them back but don’t feel like you have to stay up all night.
It’s also a good idea to give them some time to play on their tummy while they are awake under supervision.
A clear, flat and separate sleep space
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space such as a cot or moses basket.
Whatever you choose, be sure to follow these guidelines:
A firm, flat and waterproof mattress with no raised or cushioned areas.
No pillows, quilts, duvets, bumpers or weighted bedding.
Ensure the sleep space is clear at all times – no cords, soft toys, nappy sacks etc.
No pods, nests or sleep positioners.
Make sure your baby’s head is kept uncovered so they don’t get too hot.
Place the baby at the bottom of the cot so they can’t wriggle under covers.
When using a baby sleeping bag, no extra bedding is needed.
Babies should not be allowed to sleep in bouncy chairs or left sleeping in a car seat when not travelling.
Room temperature and overheating
Babies should not get too hot while sleeping as they can easily overheat.
The recommended room temperature is 16–20°C. A thermometer can help you make sure the room is at the right temperature.
To help regulate temperature:
Use lighter bedding and clothing, and less layers
Open the door or window if it’s safe to do so
Baby sleep bags will have guidance on which tog to use for each season
Keep curtains closed in the daytime
Sharing a room
Babies should always be in the same room as you at least for the first 6 months of sleep day and night.
Of course, you can go to make a cup of tea or go to the toilet but most of the time they are safest close by.
Smoke-free environment
Babies who are exposed to tobacco smoke before or after birth have a much greater chance of SIDS.
All pregnant people who smoke should seek help in quitting. Click here for the NHS guide.
If you are pregnant avoid being exposed to others who smoke.
Keep your baby away from smoke in your home, car or when out and about.
Co-sleeping and bedsharing
Whether you choose to bed share or it’s unplanned there are some things to consider.
First, it’s dangerous to share a bed with your baby if:
Your baby was born prematurely or weighed under 2.5kg at birth.
You or the baby were exposed to smoking during pregnancy.
You or anyone in the bed has recently drunk alcohol.
You or anyone in the bed recently taken any drugs that help with sleep.
In these circumstances, it’s always best to place your baby in their own clear, flat and separate sleep space.
And secondly, here are some things to remember when bed sharing:
Don’t bring other children or pets into the bed.
Remove decorative headboards and keep pillows and bedding away from your baby.
Check that your little one can’t become trapped in the bedframe or fall out of bed.
Never leave your baby alone in an adult bed.
Remember, never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. The risk of SIDS is 50% greater in these cases.
When to seek advice
We know this is a lot of information but if you follow this advice the chances of SIDS is very low.
If you do have any questions or concerns head over to the Lullaby Trust website – they have plenty of resources and things to help support you and your little one. Or speak to your nursery manager of health visitor/GP, they will be able to offer further advice.
If your baby is showing any signs of being unwell, always seek medical advice (you can also call the NHS non-emergency line on 111).
In case of emergency call 999.
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