How to position a baby for sleep

• Always place your baby flat on his or her back when laying them down for a sleep - placing babies in this position has been found to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome or cot death) by up top 70%.



• Your baby's cot should be fitted with a firm mattress and be free from any pillows, stuffed toys or mobiles that have the potential to cause suffocation.



• Lay your baby so that his or her feet touch the bottom of their cot and use a combination of blankets and sheets instead of a duvet.



• Tuck the covers firmly under the mattress in such a way that the blankets and sheets only reach your baby's shoulders - this will keep their body warm while preventing them from wriggling underneath.



• When your baby starts to roll over and move around he or she will begin to adopt the sleep position they find most comfortable and although you should still place them on their backs when you put them down for a nap you should not move them if they roll over during the night.



• Although the current recommendation is to lay babies to sleep on their back, if you have been advised otherwise by your healthcare professional due to a condition your baby, has you should always follow their advice.

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