Safe sleep for babies: reducing the risk of cot death
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, cot death) is rare, and the risk can be lowered with a few simple habits that apply to every sleep, day and night.
The basics
Always put your baby to sleep on their back, on a firm, flat mattress. Keep the sleep surface free of pillows, duvets, bumpers, soft toys and sheepskins. A baby sleeping bag or a light blanket tucked in below the arms is safer than loose bedding.
Do not let your baby sleep with a hat on indoors. Keep the room comfortably cool, around 18-20 °C, and avoid overheating. Check your baby by feeling the chest or neck, not hands and feet.
Smoke-free and alcohol-free
Smoking during pregnancy and smoke in the home are among the biggest avoidable risk factors. Never sleep with your baby in bed or on a sofa if you have been drinking, taken sedating medication or are very tired.
Sharing a room
Many health authorities recommend that your baby sleeps in your room, in their own cot or bed, for the first months. Sleeping on a sofa or armchair with a baby is particularly dangerous.
Night feeds
If you may fall asleep while feeding at night, prepare a safe plan in advance: a clear, firm bed without pillows or duvet near the baby, rather than a sofa. After feeding, return your baby to their own sleep space. Breastfeeding itself is associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
Questions
Your midwife or health nurse can answer questions specific to your family. In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.