# What is the safest way for my baby to sleep? | Clever Mum

> On their back, every sleep, in a clear cot or Moses basket with a firm, flat mattress — no pillows, bumpers, loose bedding or soft toys. Room-share (baby's own

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#  What is the safest way for my baby to sleep? 

    
 
Quick answer — What is the safest way for my baby to sleep? 

 
On their back, every sleep, in a clear cot or Moses basket with a firm, flat mattress — no pillows, bumpers, loose bedding or soft toys. Room-share (baby's own sleep space in your room) for the first 6 months. Keep the room smoke-free at 16–20°C, and avoid sofa-sleeping or bed-sharing after alcohol, if you smoke, or if you're extremely tired. These NHS and Lullaby Trust guidelines are the biggest known ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.

   
## The core rules

* **Back to sleep**, every time, for every sleep — day naps included. Once babies can reliably roll both ways (usually 5–6 months), you don't need to physically turn them back if they roll themselves.
* **A clear, flat sleep surface** — firm mattress, fitted sheet, nothing else. No pillows, cot bumpers, loose blankets, sleep positioners or soft toys until at least 12 months.
* **Room-share, don't bed-share**, for the first 6 months — baby's own crib or Moses basket in your room significantly lowers SIDS risk versus a separate room.
* **Feet to foot** — if using a blanket, tuck it in no higher than the shoulders with feet at the foot of the cot, so baby can't wriggle under it. Many parents use a sleeping bag instead, which removes this risk entirely.

## What increases risk, specifically

Smoking (in pregnancy or around baby), sofa-sleeping with a baby, and bed-sharing after alcohol, drugs, if you smoke, or if you're unusually exhausted, are the factors most strongly linked to SIDS in the evidence. Overheating is a real risk too — dress for room temperature, not for a photo.

## The protective factor worth knowing

Breastfeeding is independently linked with lower SIDS risk, and a dummy at sleep times (once breastfeeding is established, from around 3–4 weeks if bottle feeding from birth) is protective too, even if it falls out during sleep. See The Lullaby Trust for the full guidance.

   
 **Buying guide:**  [Moses vs bedside crib vs cot](/baby/moses-basket-vs-bedside-crib-vs-cot-uk/) 

   
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Health answers describe NHS guidance and are not medical advice — for anything urgent, call
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