Baby Safe Sleep Practices in the UK

What Are the UK’s Safe Sleep Guidelines?

The safest place for your baby to sleep in the first 6 months is:

• On their back

• In a separate sleep space (like a cot or Moses basket)

• In the same room as you, day and night

These recommendations are designed to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Other key advice includes:

• Keeping the sleep space clear of pillows, toys, loose blankets, or cot bumpers

• Ensuring the baby doesn’t overheat—use lightweight bedding and check room temperature

• Using a firm, flat mattress

The Lullaby Trust is the UK’s leading authority on safer sleep and regularly updates its guidance based on the latest evidence. You can find their full recommendations at www.lullabytrust.org.uk.

What’s the Difference Between Co-Sleeping and Bed-Sharing?

Co-sleeping means sleeping close enough to your baby to respond easily to them. This might be in the same room, in a bedside crib, or sharing a sleep surface.

Bed-sharing specifically means your baby sleeps in the same bed as you.

It’s a personal decision—and one that lots of families make, whether intentionally or in sheer exhaustion. So if you do choose to bed-share, it’s really important to know how to do it safely. It's crucial to follow specific guidelines to minimise the risk of accidents or harm to the baby. In the UK, the Lullaby Trust provides evidence-based recommendations for safe bed sharing/co-sleeping.

Setting Up For Safe Baby Sleep Environments

• Ensure a Safe Sleeping Environment: The sleep surface should be firm, flat, and free from pillows, duvets, soft bedding, or any other suffocation hazards. Use a fitted sheet to secure the mattress and avoid gaps where the baby could become trapped.

• Avoid Alcohol, Smoking, and Drug Use: The presence of alcohol, smoking, or drugs, including prescription medications that induce drowsiness, increases the risk of accidents and harm to the baby. It is safest for parents to avoid these substances before bed sharing or co-sleeping. This is also true for any partners who may be sharing a bed space with you and baby.

• Separate Pillows and Bedding: Keep your baby clear of pillows, blankets, or any objects that could obstruct their airway or cause overheating. Use lightweight and breathable sleepwear or consider using a baby sleep sack to ensure the baby remains at a comfortable temperature.

• Positioning and Bed Space: Place your baby on their back to sleep, with their feet at the bottom of the bed to reduce the risk of the baby wriggling under the covers if using a sidecar or bedside cot. Ensure there is enough space for the baby and avoid overcrowding if baby is sharing your bed space. This includes not sleeping with pets.

• Consider a Sidecar or Bedside Cot: If bed sharing or co-sleeping is your preference, consider using a sidecar or bedside cot that attaches securely to your bed. This arrangement provides a separate sleep surface for your baby while still keeping them close and easily accessible.

• Be Alert and Responsive: While bed sharing or co-sleeping, remain alert to your baby's needs, especially during nighttime feedings. Be responsive to their cues and ensure their airway remains clear at all times.

This information has been taken from the Lullaby Trust, this information is true and correct as of May 2025. Please refer to the Lullaby Trust for further information.

The best time to prepare for your babies sleep space is when you are Pregnant, follow the Lullaby Trust for all of the latest information, or for more information on baby sleep, including what's normal, what to dress babies in and what baby essentials you really do need, join us in The Birth & Baby Academy & ensure you are prepared for all things baby sleep