Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – sometimes known as "cot death" – is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby. SIDS is rare and the risk of your baby dying from it is low.
Sadly around four babies a week still die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and if all parents were aware of safer sleep advice, many lives could be saved.
The Lullaby Trust provides expert advice on safer baby sleep and raises awareness of sudden infant death. Much of their information and videos have been included on this page, but additional information can be found on the Lullaby Trust website: Please click here
Safer Sleep for Babies
All your baby needs for a safer night’s sleep - The best sleeping position for your baby
Always put your baby on their back for every sleep, day and night, as the chance of SIDS is particularly high for babies who are sometimes placed on their front or side
The safest room temperature for babies
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. Try to keep the room temperature between 16 -20°C.
It is essential for safety that babies travel in a car seat. However, it is recommended that you avoid travelling in cars with pre-term and young babies for long distances. Research into the link between car seats and SIDS found young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they travel while sitting in an upright position for too long.
For more information on car seats and SIDS please visit, NHS website.
Swaddling your baby
Swaddling is a common practice used to help settle young babies and promote sleep. We recognise that in some parts of the world this is also referred to as wrapping, but in the UK is referred to as swaddling. Parents/carers who wish to swaddle should be informed how to do this correctly to reduce the chance of SIDS:
Never put a swaddled baby to sleep on their front or side.
Stop swaddling (with arms wrapped inside the material) when a baby shows signs of rolling as they could roll onto their tummy and won’t be able to roll back. Use materials such as a thin muslin or thin cotton sheet – DO NOT USE blankets or place any additional bedding over a swaddled baby, this could cause them to overheat
Ensure baby is not overdressed under the swaddle, has their head uncovered and does not have an infection or fever
Check baby’s temperature to ensure they do not get too hot – check the back of their neck. If baby’s skin is hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of bedclothes.
Baby should be swaddled securely to reduce the risk of face-covering by loose material.
Swaddles should not be applied very tightly around the hips as this is strongly associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip. However, the swaddle should also be secure enough not to come apart, as loose soft bedding can increase the chance of SIDS if pulled over a baby’s head, causing a baby to over-heat or obstruct their breathing.
There are various swaddle products on the market for example swaddle blankets, swaddle sacks and swaddle bags. We can’t comment on their safety but parents/carers need to ensure the products meets necessary safety standards. They should be well fitted.
Parent/Carers should ensure they follow the product guidance. Some swaddle manufacturers recommend their product is used when a baby is a certain weight, rather than age so it is best to check on the swaddle product they choose to use.
We do not advise on a specific tog rating for swaddle products, we advise parents/carers to use a lower tog rating/lightweight to reduce the chance of baby overheating.
Using slings and baby-carriers
Slings and baby-carriers are useful for holding a baby hands-free, however they are not always used safely. Although there is no reliable evidence that slings are directly associated with SIDS, there have been a number of deaths worldwide where infants have suffered a fatal accident from the use of a sling. These accidents are particularly due to suffocation, and particularly in young infants.
The risk appears to be greatest when a baby’s airway is obstructed either by their chin resting on their chest or their mouth and nose being covered by a parent’s skin or clothing.
The safest baby carrier to use will keep the infant firmly in an upright position where a parent can always see their baby’s face, and ensure their airways are free. Complete guidance is available by visiting The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
When wearing a sling or baby carrier, keep in mind the TICKS guidelines:
Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back
How to co-sleep more safely
Some parents choose to share a bed (also known as co-sleeping) with their babies. It is important for you to know how to do this safely and that there are some circumstances in which bed-sharing with your baby can be very dangerous
The safest place for your baby to sleep is a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months, even during the day.
Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months, even during the day.
Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby
Studies have found that sharing a sofa or armchair with a baby whilst you both sleep is associated with an extremely high risk of SIDS. One study found that approximately one-sixth of infants in England and Wales who died of SIDS were found sleeping with an adult on a sofa.
Make sure that you do not accidentally fall asleep with your baby on a sofa. If you think you might fall asleep, put the baby down in a safe place to sleep.
If you are breastfeeding, have your partner stay up with you, breastfeed in a different position where you are confident you might not fall asleep, or feed the baby somewhere else.
If you have a premature baby or your baby had a low birth weight, you might have questions about how to care for them and sleep them safely. Use this guide to help you. Premature babies | The Lullaby Trust
Speak to your midwife, health visitor or family nurse about your individual circumstances and sleeping arrangements.
