Safe Sleep for Babies Information

Safe Sleep advice from Bury Health Visiting Service:

In the first few months, your newborn may sleep for around 16 hours a day, in between feeds and cuddles. To keep your baby safe and to reduce the risk of sudden infant death (sometimes called cot death) always make sure:

• You put your baby down on their back to sleep, never on the front or side.
• The cot is beside the parents’ bed for at least the first six months.
• The mattress is firm and flat – soft beds, bean bags and sagging mattresses are not suitable.
• Your baby is not overdressed or covered with too much bedding (no more than you would use yourself).
• The bedding must not be able to cover the baby’s head.
• The room is not too hot (16-20ºC is ideal).
• The room where your baby sleeps is a smoke-free zone.

For further advice on safe sleeping for babies please see the other details and downloads sections on this page