6 Essential Guidelines to Prevent SIDs
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Time to read 6 min
When it comes to babies, nothing is more important than their safety and wellbeing. This is just as important when they are asleep, as when they are awake.
In order to reduce the chance of SIDS ( Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ) it is important that Safe Sleep guidelines are followed for all sleeps, not just those which take place at night.
Different countries may have different guidelines relating to safe sleep. In the UK the charity The Lullaby Trust exists with the sole purpose of trying to prevent SIDS from occurring. They inform of safe sleep guidelines based on the most up to date research.
In order to prevent SIDs it's recommended to follow these 6 guidelines:
1. Baby Should be Placed on Back when Sleeping
Babies should always be placed on their back for every sleep, both during the day and at night. This simple practice can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to six times compared to sleeping on their front (Lullaby Trust). Their feet should be placed at the foot of the cot or crib , a method known as the ‘feet to foot’ position.
Once babies begin to roll independently , they will naturally find their own comfortable sleeping position. In the early stages of rolling, parents may gently reposition them if they appear stuck or need support. However, as long as they are placed on their back at the start of sleep, they can safely adjust their position on their own.
To balance the time spent on their back, babies should have plenty of supervised tummy time throughout the day while awake and alert. This helps strengthen their muscles and supports healthy development.
2. Room Sharing for the First Six Months
Sharing a room with your baby for at least the first six months can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to half (Lullaby Trust). This recommendation applies to all sleeps , including daytime naps, not just nighttime sleep. While six months is the minimum recommendation , many parents choose to keep their baby in the same room for a longer period, as it can make nighttime care easier.
Having the baby close by allows parents to respond quickly to their baby’s needs, whether for feeds, reassurance, or nappy changes. Some families breast/chest feed, while others choose to bottle-feed.
For those using formula, the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced can be a helpful tool. This machine prepares bottles quickly and effortlessly , allowing parents to spend more time focused on their baby’s emotional needs rather than bottle preparation.
3. Avoid Sleeping on a Sofa/Armchair with your Baby
Sleeping with a baby on a sofa or armchair can increase the risk of SIDS by up to 50 times (Lullaby Trust). If you start feeling tired while holding your baby , it's important to place them in a safe sleep environment such as a cot or crib . If you're too exhausted, ask another adult to take over caring for the baby while you get some rest.
4. Baby should Sleep on a Flat, Firm, Clear Surface
Babies should sleep on a flat, firm mattress with a waterproof cover to keep it clean and dry. The mattress should be in good condition, and both the waterproof cover and fitted sheet should fit securely.
Since a flat surface is essential, baby hammocks are not recommended, as they do not meet safe sleep guidelines. Babies should also never sleep in a baby bouncer or a stationary car seat. Because the surface must be firm, sleep products such as pods and nests do not comply with safe sleep recommendations and should not be used.
Babies should be placed in the feet-to-foot position, and quilts, pillows, and duvets should be avoided. If using a sleeping bag, it must be the correct size to prevent the baby’s head from slipping below the head hole. If using a blanket, it should be securely tucked in and should not go above shoulder height. Keep in mind that a folded blanket doubles the TOG rating, which can lead to overheating.
Many families find that newborns sleep well when swaddled. However, swaddling should not be too tight around the hips and should not create excess material near the baby’s face, as this could pose a safety risk. Love to Dream swaddles are a great option, as they are Hip Dysplasia Institute-approved and zip up, eliminating the risk of loose fabric. A swaddled baby should always be placed on their back to sleep.
Once a baby begins to show signs of rolling, swaddling should be discontinued. Love to Dream offers a transitional swaddle with zip-off sleeves to help with this adjustment.
The cot should remain clear of pillows, toys, comforters, and cot bumpers. Cot bumpers are now banned across the United States due to safety concerns.
5. Temperature should be between 16 – 20°C
Preventing overheating is key to creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your baby. The recommended room temperature for babies is between 16–20°C. Monitoring and adjusting the sleep environment accordingly can help keep your baby safe.
Your baby's sleepwear should be adjusted based on the room temperature. Love To Dream Swaddles and Sleep Bags come in a range of temperature ratings that can be adapted accordingly. To check whether your baby is comfortable and gauge their core temperature, place your hand on the back of their neck. If they feel warm or sweaty, remove a layer of clothing or reduce the temperature rating of their sleepwear. If they feel cool, add a layer or choose a higher temperature rating. Alternatively, a room thermometer can help determine the temperature of the sleep environment.
Owlet Cam ® 2 is a smart baby monitor that not only provides high-quality video and audio but also tracks room temperature and humidity. This can be viewed on the supporting Owlet ® Dream App, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments to maintain a safe sleep environment. Additionally, it features motion and cry detection, alerting you when your baby is unsettled, so that you can respond when your little one needs you.
To further support a safe sleep setup, avoid placing the cot or bed directly beside a radiator or window, as this can lead to temperature fluctuations. Additionally, babies should not wear hats indoors, especially while sleeping, as this increases the risk of overheating.
6. Additional Guidelines for Bed-Sharing
Whilst Safe Sleep Guidelines recommends that baby sleep in their own sleep space, many families choose to bed share. For those who do, it’s essential to follow safe bed-sharing practices to reduce risks. These include:
- Keeping the baby’s sleep space clear of pillows, sheets, blankets, or any other items that could obstruct breathing or cause overheating.
- Following all other safe sleep guidelines , such as always placing your baby on their back to sleep.
- Ensuring no pets or other children share the bed.
- Making sure the baby cannot fall out of bed or become trapped between the mattress and the bed.
Bed-sharing is not recommended in the following situations:
- If any adults in the bed smoke
- If any adults have consumed alcohol, drugs , or are extremely tired
- If the baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks)
- If the baby was born with a low birth weight ( 5.5 lbs or under )
- Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair
Many families find it reassuring to use a oxygen and pulse rate monitor , such as Owlet Dream Sock®. This smart monitor wraps comfortably around your baby’s foot, tracking pulse rate, oxygen level, and sleep trends throughout the night. The data is sent in real-time to the Owlet ® Dream App, allowing parents to check their baby’s well-being at a glance. If their readings fall outside the preset range, parents will receive an alert , ensuring they can respond quickly if needed.
In the UK, Safe Sleep Guidelines are recommended for all babies aged from birth to 12 months. For more details on promoting safe sleep visit the Lullaby Trust .
Author - Susan Wallace
Susan Wallace is a highly experienced Baby Sleep Expert and Potty-Training Consultant, as well as a Baby Yoga and Massage Educator. As the founder of Settled Petals, she provides gentle, expert guidance to help families establish healthy sleep habits and confident potty training.
With over 20 years of experience and qualifications from Cambridge University and a Master’s in Social Work, Susan has supported thousands of families worldwide. Passionate about children’s well-being, she offers one-on-one support and professional training, empowering parents with practical, nurturing solutions for a more restful and settled start to life.
