Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or cot death) and sleep related accidental deaths and injuries are rare, so don’t let worrying about that stop you enjoying your baby’s first few months.

Follow our top tips for safer sleep below and for more detailed information, scroll down and use the links in the further information section – all of which are from trusted organisations and recommended by the NHS.

Your baby’s bed

• Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months, even during the day.

• Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition. Soft beds, bean bags and sagging mattresses are not suitable.

• Avoid letting your baby get too hot or cold – the chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot. Try to keep the room temperature between 16 -20°C.

• The room where your baby sleeps should always be a smoke-free zone

Putting your baby to bed

• Put your baby on their back for every sleep, day and night – the chance of SIDS is high for babies who are sometimes placed on their front or side.

• Don’t cover your baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding.

• Keep your baby’s cot clear of any items such as bumpers or toys. Unnecessary items in a baby’s cot can increase the risk of accidents or SIDS.

Sharing a bed with your baby

• If you choose to share a bed with your baby (also known as co-sleeping) it is very important for you to know how to do this safely.

• It is very dangerous for you, your partner or anyone else to share a bed with your baby if you smoke, drink, take drugs or are extremely tired, or if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth-weight

• Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby.

Use the further information links below for more detailed information from NHS recommended, trusted organisations.