Safe sleep guidelines for babies

A plain-language summary of the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2022 safe sleep recommendations, which match NHS and Lullaby Trust advice in the UK. Whatever schedule you follow, these come first.

  1. Back to sleep, every sleep

    Place your baby on their back for every sleep, naps and night, until their first birthday. Once they can roll both ways on their own, you don't need to turn them back.

  2. Firm, flat, level surface

    Use a crib, bassinet or portable crib that meets current safety standards, with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet. Inclined sleepers and products angled more than 10° are not safe for sleep.

  3. Nothing else in the crib

    No pillows, bumpers, blankets, soft toys or positioners. A wearable blanket (sleep sack) is a safe way to keep a baby warm.

  4. Share the room, not the bed

    The AAP recommends keeping your baby's crib in your room, close to your bed, ideally for at least the first 6 months. Avoid sleeping with your baby on a sofa, armchair or in your bed.

  5. Don't let baby sleep in car seats, swings or slings

    If your baby falls asleep in one, move them to a flat, firm sleep surface as soon as practical.

  6. Avoid overheating

    Dress your baby in no more than one extra layer than you would wear. No hats indoors for sleep.

  7. Stop swaddling when rolling starts

    Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll, which is often around 3–4 months.

  8. Smoke-free, and other protective steps

    Keep your baby away from smoke, alcohol and drugs. Breastfeeding, offering a pacifier at sleep time and routine immunisations are all associated with lower risk of SIDS.

This page summarises public guidance and is not a substitute for advice from your pediatrician, family doctor or health visitor. Read the full recommendations at HealthyChildren.org (AAP) or the NHS.

Safe sleep questions

When can my baby sleep with a blanket or stuffed toy?

The AAP advises keeping soft objects out of the sleep space for the first 12 months.

Is it safe for my baby to sleep on their tummy if they roll over?

Keep placing your baby on their back to sleep. If they can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back by themselves, you can leave them in the position they choose.

Can I use a baby monitor that tracks breathing?

The AAP says not to rely on home cardiorespiratory monitors or consumer devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS. They can be used for other reasons, but they don't replace safe-sleep practices.