The following baby safe sleep guidelines have been collated from latest research, safe sleep organisations and the NHS.

• Both parents should stop smoking during pregnancy. Continue to be smoke free after birth and don’t allow smoking near or around your baby.
• When putting your baby to bed, make sure they are on their back – not on their front or side.
• Make sure your baby stays at a regulated temperature – it is very important not to let them get too hot. Babies head and face must remain uncovered when sleeping.
• The safest place for babies to sleep is in their cot with their feet at the foot of the cot. This is to prevent them from wriggling down, underneath the covers. Do not use loose covers. Make sure baby is checked regularly whilst sleeping.
•  Use a firm, flat and waterproof mattress that is in good condition.
• Never sleep with your baby on the sofa or an armchair as it is highly dangerous.
• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot or crib, in the same room as you for the first six months of life.

• Co-sleeping in the same bed is not recommended. The dangers of co-sleeping are heightened when you or your partner have been smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs/ medication that makes you drowsy.
  * If your baby was born before 37 weeks or weighs less than 2.5kg (5 1⁄2 lbs) at less than 3 months old, co-sleeping is particularly dangerous.*
• Unfortunately, accidents when co-sleeping can happen. You could potentially roll over in your sleep and suffocate baby, baby could get trapped between the wall and the bed or fall out of bed and be injured.
•  It is important to make sure that your baby’s room is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold. The chance of SIDS is higher in babies who get too hot, so try to keep the room temperature between 16-20°C.
• Breastfeed baby.