ABC safer sleep advice
What can I do as a father to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
You can reduce the risks of SIDS occuring by following our ABC safer sleep advice.
Alwyas sleep your baby on their back in a clear cot or sleep space.
- sleep your baby on their back for all sleeps, day and night, as this can reduce the risk of SIDS by six times compared to sleeping them on their front
- share a room with your baby for the first six months, this can halve the risk of SIDS
- keep your baby smoke-free during pregnancy. Around 60% of SIDS cases could be avoided if no baby was exposed to smoke during or after pregnancy.
- never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby as this can increase the risk of SIDS by 50 times
- do not co-sleep with your baby if you or your partner have drunk any amount of alcohol, smoke or have been taking drugs or medication that may make your drowsy
- our co-sleeping advice is especially important for babies who were born premature or of low birth weight, as these babies are at a higher risk of SIDS
Recommended products:
- cot or moses basket
- sleeping bag or sheet and blanket
- room thermometer
- car seat
Products not advised:
- pods, nests or sleep positioners
- pillows, duvets or thick heavy bedding
- cot bumpers
- hammocks
Visit the lullaby trust for more information.