When my baby was born, I was overwhelmed with fear about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as cot death). While the exact cause remains unknown, experts believe it can result from a combination of factors including sleep position, room temperature, and environmental risks like exposure to smoke. Thankfully, The Lullaby Trust offers clear, reliable guidance on safe sleep practices to help reduce the risk and keep your baby safe.
Feet to foot
Always place babies feet at the foot of the bed. By placing your baby so that their feet are touching the end of the cot, it helps prevent them from wriggling down under the blankets, which could cover their face and lead to overheating or breathing difficulties.
Bedding
Make sure any bedding is tucked in securely and only comes up to the baby’s chest, keeping their arms free. Alternatively, you can use a well-fitting baby sleep bag as a safer option.
I prefer to use a well-fitting sleeping bag is a safe way to keep baby warm no extra blankets or sheets are needed .
If you choose to swaddle, follow these rules:
- Always swaddle thin cotton materials
- Do not swaddle above the shoulders or too tightly around the hips
- Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over
Sleeping position
Always place baby on their back to sleep.
Once babies learn to roll from front to back and back to front on their own, they can choose their own sleeping position
Baby should sleep in a firm, flat mattress inside a separate space like a cot, Moses basket or bassinet. Never put them in adult bedding, pods, nests, or sleep positioners.
All clear
Remove all pillows, quilts, duvets, bumpers, toys or loose items from the sleeping area.
Temperature
Maintain the room temperature between 16–20 °C and ensure baby’s head remains uncovered to avoid overheating. Never put baby down to sleep in a hat.
Tommy Tippee have a great sleepwear guide according to temperature here https://www.tommeetippee.com/en-gb/discover/sleepwear-range. I use their thermometer to keep a check on the room too https://amzn.to/4on1Dao
Roomies
Keep your baby sleeping in the same room as you for the first six months, day and night.
You can bed share with babies IF you do it safely. The Lullaby Trust offer a full guide here https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/baby-safety/safer-sleep-information/co-sleeping/
You must NOT bed share if you or your partner smoke, drink alcohol, take sedatives, or are extremely tired.
The advice is also to not sleep with babies in armchairs and on sofas.
Stay Smoke-Free
Exposure to smoke during pregnancy or after birth significantly increases the risk of SIDS
Breastfeeding and dummies
Dummies and SIDS: what the research says. Some studies suggest that using a dummy during sleep might slightly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), possibly because it helps babies remain more easily rousable from sleep. However, it’s important to note that this small protective effect is only seen when all other safe sleep guidelines are being followed like placing baby on their back, using a clear sleep space, and keeping them smoke-free etc etc etc.
Personally, I’ve chosen not to introduce a dummy, mainly because I was concerned it might interfere with establishing breastfeeding. This is a common worry for many parents, especially in the early weeks when milk supply and latch are still being established. While some evidence suggests that dummy use after breastfeeding is well-established (usually around 4–6 weeks) may not negatively impact feeding, every baby and feeding journey is different, for me, it felt right to hold off.
If you’re considering using a dummy, it’s worth chatting with your health visitor or midwife to weigh the pros and cons based on your baby’s needs and and your feeding experience.
Since the launch of back-to-sleep campaigns in the UK, over 27,000 babies’ lives have been saved—a powerful reminder of how effective simple, evidence-based guidance can be. Although SIDS is rare, following safe sleep practices consistently can lower the risk even further and offer peace of mind. If you ever feel uncertain or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out—midwives, health visitors, and organisations like The Lullaby Trust are there to support, guide, and reassure you every step of the way.