Safe sleep for babies: the checklist to share with everyone
The NHS safe sleep rules are: always place your baby on their back, feet at the foot of the cot; in their own cot or Moses basket in your room for at least the first 6 months; on a firm, flat mattress; with the cot clear of pillows, duvets, bumpers, loose blankets and soft toys.
Safe sleep advice is short, which is its strength: it fits on a fridge door, and it should, because the grandparent or babysitter doing bedtime needs it as much as you do.
The checklist
- On their back. Every sleep, day and night.
- Feet to foot. Feet at the foot end of the cot.
- Their own cot or Moses basket, in your room, for at least the first 6 months.
- A firm, flat mattress.
- A clear cot. No pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets or soft toys.
All five come from the NHS guidance on reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
What that means when you are shopping
| Looks lovely | Skip or keep? |
|---|---|
| Cot bumper set | Skip. The NHS says no bumpers. |
| Cot duvet and pillow | Skip. |
| Soft toys in the cot | Keep them for playtime, out of the cot. |
| Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly | Keep. This is the one thing to buy new. |
| Baby sleep bag | A fitted alternative to loose blankets. Choose the tog for the room temperature. |
More on what to buy in the newborn essentials checklist.
How much sleep to expect
| Age | Sleep in 24 hours (WHO) |
|---|---|
| 0–3 months | 14–17 hours |
| 4–11 months | 12–16 hours |
| 1–2 years | 11–14 hours |
The NHS adds that babies’ sleep varies a lot. Some sleep for long periods, others in short bursts, and patterns change as they grow. Check your baby’s age range with the baby sleep calculator.
Share it
The rules only work if everyone follows them. Send this page to anyone who looks after your baby, or print it. If you use a shared tracker, check whether it shows guidance to caregivers as well: we note which do in the best baby tracker apps.
Questions, answered
How long should a baby sleep in the parents' room?
The NHS advises a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for every sleep for at least the first 6 months.
Can a baby sleep with a blanket or soft toy?
The NHS says to keep the cot clear: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets or soft toys.
What does feet to foot mean?
Placing your baby with their feet at the foot end of the cot, so they cannot wriggle down under the covers.
How much should a newborn sleep?
WHO guidance describes 14 to 17 hours in 24 hours, including naps, for babies aged 0 to 3 months.
Sources
- NHS: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- NHS: Helping your baby to sleep
- WHO: Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5
Sources last checked on 10 November 2026.
This guide is educational and does not replace advice from your midwife, health visitor or doctor. If you are worried about yourself or your baby, contact them, or your local emergency number in an emergency.