A safe sleeping environment means that all potential dangers have been removed and the baby is sleeping in a safe place. The ideal place for a baby to sleep is in a safe cot, on a safe mattress, with safe bedding in a safe sleeping place both day and night.
For all babies 0-12 months, Red Nose recommends six key steps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death.
- Always place baby on their back to sleep
- Keep baby’s face and head uncovered
- Keep baby smoke free before and after birth
- Safe sleeping environment day and night. Baby should always be asleep in their own space in a bassinet or cot
- Sleep baby in a safe cot in parents or caregivers room for the first 6 months
- Breast feed baby. Breast feeding has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death