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Short, parent-friendly reads to answer common questions.
Every baby is different and figuring out how to create the best sleep environment can take some trial and error. What works for one baby might not work for another, and it can take time to understand what your little one needs to settle and sleep well.
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We've put together this safe sleep checklist, based on proven practices, to help you make sure your child is sleeping safely. Whether you're a first-time mum or experienced parent, use this checklist as a guide for creating a safe sleep environment for your child.
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In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to support safer sleep during summer, from ideal room temperatures to fabric choices and baby sleepwear tips.
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There are many factors involved in setting up a safe sleep environment for you and your baby. In addition to your baby’s actual sleep space, we must also consider the room your baby is sleeping in and ways to make it comfortable and safe.
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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) are both scary terms for parents. Both conditions are the leading causes of death in infants aged one month to one year. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can reduce the risk of injury or death. Keep reading to learn some simple steps you can take to keep your infant safe.
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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.
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Sleeping and sleep safety are perhaps one of the most popular topics among new parents. Regardless of where you live in the world, understanding how babies sleep and how to keep them safe during sleep seem to be universal areas of concern.
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Through Safer Sleep Week we will also be sharing Safer Sleep tips
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The Lullaby Trust offers clear, research-led sleep guidance without judgement, helping parents focus on what really matters for safer sleep. It reassures you that you do not have to do everything perfectly, just consistently and with confidence.
ReadUse these if you want extra reassurance. Only one tool shows at a time.
Use this if you are unsure how warm your baby should be dressed. It gives a starting point, not a rule.
Temperature: 18°C
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Use this if you want a quick check of your current setup. It highlights one next step you can take today.
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Still unsure? These cover common worries.
Use this area to add context before the FAQs below.
Babies should always be placed on their back for every sleep, including naps. Back sleeping helps keep airways open and reduces the risk of sleep-related incidents.
If your baby can roll independently, it’s still important to place them on their back at the start of sleep. You don’t need to reposition them if they roll on their own, but the sleep space should stay clear and firm.
If you remember one thing:
Back sleeping, on a firm, flat, clear surface, every sleep.
A firm, flat mattress with a well-fitted waterproof sheet. That’s it. Soft toys, pillows, loose blankets, sleep positioners, pods, and nests should be kept out of the sleep space.
Loose blankets are not recommended, consider dressing your baby in a sleeping bag instead. If using blankets, place your baby in the feet-to-foot position at the bottom of the cot to keep them secure. A cellular cotton blanket is a good choice as it allows for air flow. Always tuck blankets in firmly no higher than the shoulders and avoid doubling them over to prevent overheating.
Yes, room sharing (baby sleeping in the same room as you, but on a separate sleep surface) is recommended for at least the first 6 months.
Aim for a room temperature between 16–20°C. Adjust your baby’s clothing layers rather than adding bedding.
Feel the back of your baby’s neck or chest. Warm is fine. Sweaty or hot means remove a layer. Cool hands and feet are normal.
Yes. Overheating has been linked to increased sleep risk. Keeping the room within the recommended temperature range and avoiding excess layers helps reduce that risk.
No. Babies should sleep with their head and face uncovered indoors. Hats can cause overheating and increase risk during sleep.
Yes sleeping bags are generally considered safer than blankets for the following reasons:
Yes, if baby is on their back. Once a baby shows signs of rolling, stop swaddling them with their arms wrapped inside the material. This is because they could roll onto their tummy and not be able to roll back again as they can’t use their arms.
Yes, it may even reduce the risk of SIDS. If the dummy falls out during sleep, there’s no need to put it back in. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s usually recommended to wait until feeding is well established before introducing a dummy. Make sure the dummy is clean, in good condition, and never attached to cords or clips during sleep.
These are not designed for long or unsupervised sleep. If your baby falls asleep in one, move them to a firm, flat sleep space as soon as it’s practical and safe to do so.
No. Falling asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair carries a significantly higher risk and should be avoided.
Smoke exposure is one of the strongest risk factors linked to sleep-related harm in babies. It affects breathing, oxygen levels, and a baby’s ability to wake if something isn’t right during sleep. Babies’ lungs and airways are still developing, which makes them especially vulnerable.
This applies whether smoking happens during pregnancy or after birth.
While research is still developing, it’s best to avoid vaping near your baby and keep indoor air as clean as possible.
Some babies have additional needs. Always follow your healthcare professional’s advice, but unless told otherwise, back sleeping on a firm, flat surface remains the safest default.
