Safer Sleep
Safer Sleep Week 2026: Baby Necessities
This national awareness campaign runs from 9-15 March and is aimed at anyone who cares for a young baby. Throughout the week, The Lullaby Trust will share key information about safer sleep and raise awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The campaign’s aim is to support parents and carers to understand the simple, evidence‑based steps they can take to reduce the risk and help keep babies safe during sleep.
Getting ready for a new baby can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re faced with aisles of products and lots of conflicting advice. This Safer Sleep Week focuses on the “baby necessities” – the simple essentials that help keep your baby safe during sleep, along with guidance on choosing products that meet safer sleep standards. The key message is to keep it simple to keep it safe.
For more information and trusted advice, please visit The Lullaby Trust.
WARNING: Dangerous baby sleeping bags pose a serious risk of suffocation, overheating and death
Baby sleeping bags with hoods, or those without arm openings, do not meet UK safety standards and are not permitted to be sold here. They can cause babies to suffocate, overheat or die.
Yet far too many are available to buy online.
In fact, a new investigation by Which? found many dangerous baby sleeping bags, similar or identical to products that have been officially recalled for suffocation risks, for sale online.
So, please shop safely.
Sleep bags should be well-fitted, (think neck and arm holes that fit well) so that your baby can’t wriggle down inside.
Plus, any sleep bags with hoods or head coverings should not be used.
To learn more about shopping safely for your baby, and other dangerous baby products visit: Child accident prevent trust website
Safety Alert issued for baby sleep pillows
Products often called “Baby Sleep Pillows” can be dangerous for babies. They may increase the risk of suffocation, overheating, and even death.
Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a Safety Alert for baby sleep pillows following child fatalities.
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.
