Simple measures to take
Sudden infant death is rare but it’s important to follow a few simple measures to help reduce the risk. These include:
- put your baby on its back to sleep, in a cot or moses basket in a room with you for the first six months
- put your baby with their feet touching the foot of the cot, to prevent your baby wriggling down under the covers
- use a light blanket firmly tucked no higher than the baby’s shoulders and a clean, firm, well-fitting mattress
- if using a baby sleeping bag make sure it’s fitted with neck and arm holes and doesn’t have a hood
- don’t put pillows, loose blankets, cot bumpers or sleep positioners in your baby’s cot
- don't smoke in pregnancy or let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby
- don't share or allow anyone to share a bed with your baby, especially if you/ they have been drinking alcohol, have taken medication or drugs, are a smoker, or feel very sleepy
- never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair
- don't cover your baby's head
- don't allow your baby to become overheated
- don't leave your baby sleeping in a car seat for long periods or when not travelling in the car
- never allow your baby to sleep alone in an adult bed
- breastfeed if you can and put your baby back to sleep in their cot after feeding
You can get further information on the following page:
If you have any questions, no matter how small or trivial you might think they are, talk your health visitor who can provide practical advice.