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The day your baby rolls over for the first time is a big milestone and an exciting one. It can also raise new questions around safe sleep, particularly when it comes to what your baby should wear at night.

Safe sleep guidance continues to recommend that babies are always placed on their back to sleep. As babies grow and become more mobile, it is especially important to focus on creating a safe sleep environment that follows safer sleep guidance every time your baby sleeps.

Once your baby starts rolling, swaddling is no longer recommended. A swaddled baby may still roll but will not have free use of their arms to support themselves or adjust their position. At this stage, a sleep sack is a safer alternative and can help your baby transition out of the swaddle while still staying warm and comfortable. Sleep sacks allow babies to move freely, roll safely, and sleep in the position they choose, without the risks associated with loose bedding.

According to the NHS, baby sleeping bags can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as they prevent babies from wriggling underneath bedding. The NHS advises that sleep sacks should fit well around the shoulders so there is no risk of your baby’s head slipping down into the bag. There should be no additional bedding used in the cot.

The NHS also recommends choosing a sleep sack with an appropriate tog rating for the room temperature and time of year, and adjusting your baby’s clothing underneath as needed to avoid overheating. Commercial sleep sacks are typically available in the following tog ratings:

• 2.5 tog for year round use in standard room temperatures of 16 to 20°C

• 1.0 tog for warmer weather and room temperatures of 20 to 24°C

• 0.5 tog for hot weather and room temperatures of 24 to 27°C

Sleep sacks are widely considered a safer alternative to blankets, helping to keep babies warm without the risk of loose covers. While sleep sacks are not essential, they can be a practical and safer option on cooler nights when pyjamas alone may not provide enough warmth.

By choosing a well fitting sleep sack, using the correct tog, and keeping the sleep space clear, you can support safer sleep for your baby, even as they reach new milestones like rolling over.