Baby's sleep

Find out more about how to get your baby to sleep safely and how to handle sleep problems.

Safer sleep

The Lullaby Trust

The Lullaby Trust have lots of information and advice on simple steps to take to sleep your baby safely. This helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), commonly known as cot death. It can give you the peace of mind to enjoy this special time.

The Lullaby Trust's advice is based on strong scientific evidence and should be followed for all sleep periods, not just at night.

If you have any questions about SIDS or safer sleep, please call their information line on 0808 802 6869.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.

Resources from the Lullaby Trust

We've put together some useful links to the Lullaby Trust:

Visit the Lullaby Trust's safer sleep advice area for more

A guide to Safer Sleep for babies

Following safer sleep advice can significantly reduce the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (sometimes called SIDS or cot death) occurring.

Watch this 2-minute YouTube video from the Lullaby Trust for a quick do's and don'ts guide to Safer Sleep for babies.

Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth.
Breastfeed your baby if you can.
Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first 6 months.
Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition.

Don't

Sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with your baby.
Sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke.
Sleep in the same bed as your baby if you have drunk alcohol.
Sleep in the same bed as your baby if you have taken drugs
Sleep in the same bed as your baby if you are extremely tired, Or if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth weight.
Cover your baby's face or head whilst sleeping or use loose bedding.
Let your baby get too hot.
To avoid accidents remove all pillows, soft bedding, cot bumpers and soft toys from the cot

Remember the safest place for your baby in the first 6 months is a cot in your room.

For more information, go to How to reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby (The Lullaby Trust).

Co-sleeping with your baby

Some parents choose to share a bed or other sleep surface (also known as co-sleeping) with their babies.

Watch How to co-sleep more safely (Lullaby Trust) [YouTube, 3 minutes]

You can also read more at Co-sleeping with your baby (The Lullaby Trust)

Safer sleep online presentations

The Lullaby Trust have also created a series of online presentations for parents and carers on how to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

The National Childbirth Trust

The National Childbirth Trust have some useful information on baby and toddler sleep including: cot safety, swaddling benefits and risks, tips to help your baby sleep and more

Visit the National Childbirth Trust website

Lift the Baby campaign for safer sleeping

The Lift The Baby campaign is aimed at new dads to promote safer sleeping in younger babies.

Watch this 1-minute YouTube video and find out more about the campaign:

For more information, visit the Lift the Baby campaign page.

Safer sleep guides

Safer Sleep from Day One - A guide for parents and carers (Lullaby Trust)
Safer sleep advice for emergency situations - A guide for parents and carers (Lullaby Trust)
Caring for your baby at night and when sleeping (UNICEF) - A downloadable guide for parents from UNICEF's Baby Friendly Initiative

Sleep problems

The Sleep Charity

The Sleep Charity understands how difficult life can be when your child has a sleep issue. Their aim is to support families to get a better night’s sleep by offering workshops, clinics and written materials.

Read useful advice for parents (The Sleep Charity)

You can also find information on training courses for parents

Telephone: 01302 751416
Email: info@thesleepcharity.org.uk
Visit the Sleep Charity website

Bedtime routines

A calming bedtime routine can make a big difference in helping babies, toddlers, and young children settle into a restful night’s sleep. Establishing a predictable pattern, such as a bath, quiet play, stories, and cuddles, helps support their natural body clock and signals that it’s time to unwind. Routines also create a sense of security, helping little ones relax more easily.

Even with a solid routine, sleep patterns can sometimes dip or change as children grow or experience new stages. This is completely normal, and things often improve again with time and patience. Sticking with the routine will help guide them back into healthy, settled sleep habits.

For more information on sleep patterns and helping your baby sleep, go to The Best Start in Life website

And for more information on building a good bedtime routine, visit The Sleep Charity website

Training on safer sleep for professionals

Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP)

Training for professionals working with children can be found on the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website

Have a look at the safer sleep risk assessment tool and guidance developed by the Safer Sleep Steering Group and consider how you could use them in your role or within your team.

For tools, risk assessments and resources from the NSCP, go to Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership website