Safer Sleep
Safer sleep week 10-16 March 2025 aims to share advice of how to keep your baby safe when sleeping.
This will focus on:
- Exploring baby sleep patterns. How long should your baby sleep for their age?
- Busting baby sleep myths. Are any myths backed by evidence, and what about products that promise to help your baby sleep for longer?
- Supporting you through your own lack of sleep. We’ll help with sleep deprivation, and make it easier for you to follow safer sleep with your baby, even when exhausted.
Avoid your baby overheating – it is important to make sure that your baby’s room is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold.
Try to keep the room temperature between 16 -20°C.
Lie your baby on their back for every sleep – day and night – use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress.
Keep baby’s sleep space clear – keep cot clear of bumpers, toys, pillows, pods/nests and loose bedding.
Keep baby smoke-free – and any places they spend time (car, living room, bedroom) completely smoke-free.
The risk of sudden infant death syndrome is 50 times higher for babies sleeping on a sofa/armchair with an adult.
Slings/Carriers (carrying babyhandsfree)
Parents/Carers must remain responsive to their baby/child at all times while carrying a baby in a sling/carrier. Never fall asleep with baby still on you.
Parents of premature babies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight should seek advice from their GP before using a sling/carrier.
For more advice on safer sleeping:
Safer sleep advice for your baby
This safer sleep advice gives simple steps for how you can sleep your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) which is commonly known as cot death.
The advice is based on strong scientific evidence and should be followed for all sleep periods, not just at night.
Watch this video from the Lullaby Trust for advice on safer sleep for your baby.
If you have any questions about SIDS or safer sleep, call the Lullaby Trust’s information line on 0808 802 6869 (lines are open Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm)
Click on the links below from the Lullaby Trust for more advice on how to sleep your baby more safely.
How to keep baby safe when the weather gets hot
The safest room temperature for babies
It is important to make sure that your baby’s room is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold. The chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. Try to keep the room temperature between 16 -20°C.
Some parents to choose to share a bed (also known as co-sleeping) with their babies. It is important for you to know how to do this safely.
How to keep your baby safe when the weather gets cold. Download the safer sleep winter resource.
