Safe Sleep for Newborn Babies

Newborn babies spend much of their time sleeping, but their sleep pattern can be very different from that of an adult. Creating a safe sleep environment for every nap and every night-time sleep can help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, also known as SIDS or cot death.

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own cot, crib or Moses basket in the same room as you for at least the first 6 months.

Newborn Sleep Basics

Newborn babies do not yet know the difference between day and night. They usually wake regularly for feeds and may sleep for around 1 to 3 hours at a time.

Most newborns are awake for approximately 1 to 2 hours between sleeps. Keeping your baby awake during the day will not necessarily help them sleep better at night and may make it more difficult for an overtired baby to settle.

Signs that your baby may be ready to sleep include:

* Staring into space
* Fussing or grizzling
* Crying
* Frowning
* Arching their back
* Jerky movements
* Becoming difficult to distract

When possible, place your baby in their cot when they are drowsy but still awake. This may help them become familiar with falling asleep in the same place where they will wake.

The Safest Sleeping Position

Always place your baby **flat on their back** at the beginning of every sleep, both during the day and at night.

Do not place your baby on their side or tummy to sleep. Babies sleeping on their tummy have a higher risk of SIDS, while a baby placed on their side may roll onto their tummy.

Place your baby with their **feet touching the foot of the cot**. This helps prevent them from wriggling down underneath the bedding. Keep their face and head uncovered.

Putting your baby to sleep on their back does not increase their risk of choking if they spit up or vomit.

As your baby grows and becomes able to roll in both directions, continue placing them on their back at the beginning of each sleep.

Tummy time is important for your baby’s development, but it should only take place while your baby is awake and being supervised.

Where Your Baby Should Sleep

The safest arrangement is for your baby to sleep in:

* Their own cot
* A crib
* A Moses basket

Keep their cot beside your bed or elsewhere in your bedroom for at least the first 6 months. The risk of SIDS is higher when a young baby sleeps in a separate room.

The cot should be correctly assembled and in good condition.

Use a mattress that is:

* Clean
* Firm
* Flat
* Free from tears
* The correct size for the cot

There should be no gaps between the mattress and the sides of the cot where your baby could become trapped.

Keep the Cot Clear

Your baby’s sleep space should be simple and uncluttered.

Do not place the following in your newborn’s cot:

* Pillows or cushions
* Duvets or quilts
* Cot bumpers
* Toys or teddies
* Comforters
* Sleep positioners
* Baby nests, pods or cocoons
* Wedges or bedding rolls
* Loose or fluffy bedding

These items can cover your baby’s face or create a suffocation risk. Sleep positioners should not be used to prevent SIDS, flat head syndrome or reflux.

Blankets and Baby Sleeping Bags

You may use a lightweight cellular blanket or an appropriately sized sleeveless baby sleeping bag.

If using a blanket:

* Use a lightweight cellular blanket.
* Place your baby’s feet at the foot of the cot.
* Tuck the blanket in securely but not tightly.
* Keep the blanket no higher than your baby’s shoulders.
* Regularly check that your baby’s face and head remain uncovered.

If using a sleeping bag, choose one that:

* Is sleeveless
* Has no hood
* Is the correct size for your baby
* Has an appropriate low tog rating
* Meets current safety standards

Do not use a blanket and sleeping bag together unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically advise that this is safe for the room temperature.

The Right Room Temperature

Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS.

The HSE recommends keeping the room where your baby sleeps between 16°C and 20°C. A room thermometer can help you monitor the temperature.

Do not place the cot beside:

* A radiator
* A heater
* A fire
* A sunny window
* Direct sunlight

A nappy, vest and babygrow will usually be enough for sleep. Use fewer clothes or lighter bedding in warmer weather.

Your baby should not wear a hat while sleeping indoors unless a doctor or midwife has specifically advised it. Babies release heat through their heads, and wearing a hat may cause them to overheat.

Bed-Sharing and Co-Sleeping

A separate cot in your room is the safest place for your baby to sleep.

Sharing an adult bed can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS. A baby may slip underneath the bedding, become trapped between the bed and wall, roll beneath an adult or fall from the bed.

You should not share a bed with your baby if:

* Your baby is under 3 months old.
* Your baby was born prematurely.
* Your baby had a low birth weight.
* You or your partner smoke.
* You or your partner have consumed alcohol.
* You have taken recreational drugs.
* You have taken medicine that makes you drowsy.
* You or your partner are extremely tired.

Your baby should not share a bed with another child.

It is safe to feed your baby in bed, but place them back into their own cot before you go to sleep.

Never Sleep With Your Baby on a Sofa

Never fall asleep while holding or feeding your baby on a:

* Sofa
* Couch
* Armchair
* Recliner
* Beanbag

Falling asleep with a baby on upholstered furniture significantly increases the risk of SIDS and suffocation.

Car Seats, Slings and Baby Seats

Car seats, baby seats, carriers and slings are designed for transport or supervised use. They are not recommended for routine sleep at home.

Sleeping in a sitting or slumped position can make it more difficult for a young baby to breathe.

If your baby falls asleep in one of these devices, move them to a firm, flat sleep surface and place them on their back as soon as it is practical and safe to do so. Never leave a sleeping baby unsupervised in a sitting device.

Smoking and Safe Sleep

Do not smoke during pregnancy, in your home, in your car or around your baby.

Exposure to cigarette smoke increases a baby’s risk of SIDS. The risk rises with the number of cigarettes smoked around the baby. If either parent smokes, the baby should not share an adult bed with them, even if the parent never smokes in bed.

What Is SIDS?

Sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby who appeared healthy during sleep. It is also commonly called cot death.

SIDS can happen anywhere a baby sleeps, not only in a cot. This includes a bed, pram, car seat or baby seat. The exact cause is not known, so it cannot always be prevented. However, following safe-sleep guidance can reduce the risk.

SIDS is not caused by vaccinations, vomiting or choking. Home breathing or movement monitors have not been shown to prevent SIDS.

Safe-Sleep Checklist

For every daytime nap and night-time sleep:

* Place your baby on their back.
* Position their feet at the foot of the cot.
* Use their own cot, crib or Moses basket.
* Keep their cot in your room for the first 6 months.
* Use a clean, firm, flat mattress.
* Keep pillows, toys, bumpers and sleep positioners out of the cot.
* Keep their face and head uncovered.
* Keep the room between 16°C and 20°C.
* Avoid overdressing your baby.
* Keep your baby’s environment completely smoke-free.
* Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
* Return your baby to their own cot after feeding or comforting them.

When to Seek Help

Call 112 or 999 immediately** if your baby is unresponsive, difficult to wake, not breathing normally or you believe they need emergency care.

Contact your GP or public health nurse if your newborn is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake for feeds or you are worried about their sleep or general wellbeing.