Safe sleep for your newborn
A few simple steps lower the risk of sudden infant death: on the back, in their own clear, flat sleep space, in your room. Here's how to set it up and what to avoid.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sometimes called crib death, is rare, but there are simple steps that lower the risk for every baby. Following them for every sleep, day and night, is one of the most important things you can do. Setting up the sleep space before the birth means it's ready from the very first night.
The basics for every sleep
Once your baby can roll from their back to their front and back again on their own, you can let them stay in the position they choose, but keep placing them on their back to start.
Use the same safe setup for daytime naps as at night, including when you're visiting family or traveling. A portable crib or play yard, with only the mattress it came with, is a good option away from home. Make sure everyone who looks after your baby, including grandparents and babysitters, knows these steps, as advice has changed over the years.
Keeping the right temperature
Babies sleep safely when they're comfortable, not hot. Dress them in no more than one layer more than you'd need to be comfortable in the same room, and don't cover their head while they sleep. To check, feel their chest or the back of their neck: if it's sweaty, take off a layer. Cool hands and feet are normal.
A well-fitting wearable blanket, also called a sleep sack, keeps your baby warm without loose bedding. Choose one that fits snugly at the neck and arms and isn't weighted. Keep loose blankets out of the crib.
Where not to sleep
Car seats, strollers, swings and baby carriers aren't made for sleep outside of travel. If your baby falls asleep in one, move them to a flat, safe sleep space as soon as you can. Avoid inclined sleepers, sleep nests and pods, and any product that claims to reduce the risk of SIDS.
The most dangerous place to fall asleep with a baby is on a couch or armchair. If you're feeding on the couch and feel sleepy, put your baby down in their crib or bassinet, or ask someone to take over.
Sharing a bed
The safest place for your baby to sleep is their own crib or bassinet, next to your bed. Sharing a bed raises the risk of sudden infant death, and the risk is much higher in some situations. Never share a bed with your baby if you or anyone in the bed:
Never share a bed with your baby if they were born early (before 37 weeks) or small. Never leave your baby alone in an adult bed.
Other things that help
Some guidance suggests offering a pacifier at sleep time. If you're breastfeeding, wait until feeding is going well, and don't force it if your baby doesn't want it. If you swaddle, keep it loose around the hips, always place your baby on their back, and stop as soon as they show signs of trying to roll. Give your baby plenty of tummy time while they're awake and watched; it helps their development.
Baby monitors can be reassuring, but they don't prevent sudden infant death and don't replace the steps above.
Call emergency services straight away if your baby is floppy, difficult to wake or won't stay awake, or not breathing normally, or if their lips or face turn blue or gray.
For information only — not medical advice. If something doesn't feel right, contact your midwife or doctor.
Sources
NHS — Your pregnancy and baby guide (nhs.uk/pregnancy)
ACOG — Patient FAQs (acog.org/womens-health/faqs)
WHO — Recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience
Track every moment with Miray
Log feeds, sleep & growth in seconds — free to start.
