Kidora Parent Hub

Baby Sleep Guide

Baby sleep can be one of the most challenging parts of early parenthood. Newborns wake frequently, day and night can feel unpredictable, and sleep patterns change quickly during the first year.

The priorities are safe sleep, realistic expectations and support for exhausted parents. There is no single routine that works for every baby.

This UK guide follows NHS-based safer-sleep principles and is intended for parents of babies during the first year.

How to Use This Guide

This page summarises current NHS and Lullaby Trust safer-sleep information. It is not a personalised sleep plan, medical assessment or guarantee against sudden infant death syndrome.

Follow any individual advice from the baby’s neonatal, paediatric, maternity or health-visiting team. Contact NHS 111, a GP or the baby’s clinical team when worried, and call 999 for an immediate emergency.

Trusted UK Baby-Sleep Links

• NHS safer-sleep and SIDS guidance
• NHS baby sleep-pattern guidance
• The Lullaby Trust mattress and bedding guidance
• The Lullaby Trust sling and carrier guidance
• The Lullaby Trust second-hand baby product guidance
• UK Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls

Follow Current UK Safer-Sleep Guidance

The NHS advises placing a baby on their back for every sleep, using a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as a parent for at least the first six months, using a firm flat mattress and keeping the sleep space clear.

Apply the guidance for every sleep, day and night. Use the current NHS safer-sleep guidance rather than relying on an old leaflet, social-media post or product claim.

Put the Baby on Their Back

Place the baby on their back for naps and night-time sleep.

Once a baby can roll independently from back to front and front to back, continue placing them on their back at the start of sleep, but there is usually no need to turn them back repeatedly.

Ask a healthcare professional for advice if the baby has a medical condition affecting sleep position.

Use a Separate Sleep Space

The safest place for a baby to sleep is generally in their own cot, crib or Moses basket in the same room as a parent for the first six months.

The sleep space should:

• Be suitable for the baby’s age and size
• Have a firm, flat mattress
• Have no unsafe gaps
• Be assembled correctly
• Be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Keep the Cot Clear

Do not place unnecessary soft or loose items in the baby’s sleep space.

Avoid:

• Pillows
• Cot bumpers
• Loose duvets
• Soft toys
• Sleep positioners
• Nests or pods not recommended for unsupervised sleep
• Extra mattress toppers
• Rolled blankets used as supports

Choose the Correct Mattress

The mattress should:

• Fit the cot, crib or basket correctly
• Be firm and flat
• Be clean and fully dry
• Have no sagging or damage
• Be used with a suitable fitted sheet

Do not use cushions, folded blankets or foam to fill gaps.

Room Temperature

A room temperature of around 16°C to 20°C is commonly recommended for baby sleep in the UK.

Use a room thermometer if helpful, but also check the baby rather than relying on the room alone.

Signs that a baby may be too hot include:

• Sweating
• Hot chest or back
• Flushed skin
• Damp hair

Check the Baby’s Chest or Back

Hands and feet can feel cooler than the rest of the body.

Check the chest or back of the neck to judge whether the baby feels comfortably warm.

Choose Suitable Sleepwear

Dress the baby according to:

• Room temperature
• Sleepwear guidance
• Sleeping-bag tog rating
• Manufacturer instructions

Avoid adding extra layers simply because the baby’s hands feel cool.

Baby Sleeping Bags

If using a baby sleeping bag, check:

• Minimum weight
• Correct size
• Neck and armhole fit
• Tog rating
• Room-temperature guidance

The baby should not be able to slip down inside the bag.

Blankets

If using blankets, follow current NHS guidance.

Use lightweight blankets, tuck them in securely and keep them below shoulder level.

Do not use heavy, folded or loose bedding around the baby’s face.

Keep the Baby’s Head Uncovered

Do not use hats indoors during routine sleep unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise.

Remove outdoor hats after entering a warm indoor space.

Smoking and Baby Sleep

Keep the baby away from cigarette smoke during pregnancy and after birth.

Do not smoke around the baby, in the home or in the car.

Support is available through NHS stop-smoking services.

Alcohol, Drugs and Sedating Medicines

Alcohol, recreational drugs and medicines that cause drowsiness can increase sleep-related risks.

Ask a GP, pharmacist or maternity professional about any medicine that may affect alertness or safe care during the night.

Sharing a Bed

The NHS states that the safest place for a baby is a separate clear cot or Moses basket in the same room as a parent.

If bed sharing may happen, read the full current NHS guidance in advance. The NHS says not to share a bed where the baby was premature or had a low birth weight, or where either adult smokes, has consumed alcohol, has taken recreational drugs or has taken medicine that causes drowsiness.

When bed sharing, NHS guidance also covers a firm flat mattress, keeping pillows and bedding away, preventing gaps and falls, and not having other children or pets in the bed.

Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair.

Never Sleep with a Baby on a Sofa or Armchair

Falling asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair is particularly dangerous.

If you feel yourself becoming sleepy while feeding or comforting the baby, move to a safer situation as early as possible.

Newborn Sleep Patterns

Newborns do not usually follow an adult day-and-night pattern.

They may:

• Sleep in short blocks
• Wake frequently for feeds
• Sleep more during the day at first
• Have irregular periods of alertness
• Cluster feed before longer sleep periods

Frequent waking is normal in the early weeks.

How Much Sleep Does a Baby Need?

Sleep needs vary considerably between babies and change with age.

Some babies sleep for longer total periods than others, while some wake more frequently.

Focus on the baby’s feeding, growth, alertness and general wellbeing rather than comparing exact sleep totals with other families.

Day and Night Awareness

Parents can gradually help babies learn the difference between day and night.

During the day:

• Open curtains
• Use normal household noise
• Offer interaction during awake periods
• Go outside where practical

At night:

• Keep lights low
• Use quiet voices
• Keep changes calm and brief
• Avoid unnecessary stimulation

Bedtime Routines

A simple routine can help signal that sleep is approaching.

It may include:

• A feed
• A nappy change
• Sleepwear
• Dim lights
• A short story or song
• A cuddle

The routine does not need to be long or elaborate.

Keep Routines Flexible

Babies change quickly, and routines may be disrupted by:

• Growth spurts
• Illness
• Teething
• Travel
• Developmental changes
• Feeding changes

A disrupted routine does not mean that parents have failed.

Naps

Daytime sleep remains important during the first year.

Babies may take several naps at first, with the pattern changing over time.

Use the same safer-sleep principles for naps as for night-time sleep.

Watch for Tired Signs

Possible tired signs include:

• Yawning
• Looking away
• Rubbing eyes
• Becoming quieter
• Fussiness
• Jerky movements

Some babies settle more easily before becoming overtired.

Feeding to Sleep

Many young babies naturally become sleepy during or after feeding.

This is common and not automatically a problem.

Make sure the baby is transferred to a safe sleep space if the adult is becoming drowsy.

Contact Naps

Some babies sleep well while being held.

Contact naps require an awake, alert adult.

If the adult may fall asleep, move the baby to a safer sleep space.

Pram and Pushchair Sleep

Some babies fall asleep in a pram or pushchair.

Use the product according to its instructions and check:

• Newborn suitability
• Lie-flat position where required
• Harness use
• Airflow
• Temperature
• Supervision

Move the baby to their usual safe sleep space when practical.

Car Seat Sleep

A baby may fall asleep in a car seat during travel, but the NHS advises taking the baby out of the seat as soon as the destination is reached and placing them on a firm, flat sleep surface.

A car seat is not a replacement for the baby’s usual sleep space. Follow the car-seat instructions and current NHS safer-sleep guidance.

Baby Carrier Sleep

When using a sling or carrier, follow the TICKS principles and keep the baby’s face and airway visible. The NHS states that it is not safe to feed a baby while they are in a sling; take the baby out for feeding.

Check the baby frequently and follow the exact carrier age, weight and position instructions.

Use the current Lullaby Trust sling and carrier guidance.

Swaddling

Parents considering swaddling should read current NHS and Lullaby Trust guidance and follow the product instructions.

Guidance includes keeping the baby’s head uncovered, avoiding overheating, allowing the hips and legs to move and stopping when the baby shows signs of rolling. The NHS advises not swaddling a baby when bed sharing.

Swaddling is not required for sleep, and a product description should not claim that it prevents SIDS or guarantees longer sleep.

Dummies and Sleep

Some families use a dummy for sleep.

If breastfeeding, parents may choose to wait until feeding is established before introducing one.

Use an age-appropriate dummy, keep it clean and do not attach it with cords, ribbons or clips during sleep.

White Noise

Some babies settle with quiet background noise.

If using a white-noise machine:

• Keep the volume low
• Place it away from the cot
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Avoid continuous loud sound close to the baby

Baby Monitors

A monitor may be useful when the baby is sleeping in another room later on, but it does not replace direct checks or safer-sleep practices.

Keep:

• Cables away from the cot
• The monitor securely positioned
• Electrical equipment in good condition

Movement and Breathing Monitors

Commercial movement, breathing and heart-rate monitors do not replace NHS safer-sleep guidance and should not be described as preventing SIDS.

A lack of an alarm does not guarantee that a baby is safe, and false alarms can cause distress.

Use a medical monitor only when it has been recommended and explained by the baby’s clinical team. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any ordinary monitor.

Sleep Positioners and Nests

Avoid products that claim to keep a baby in one sleep position unless they are specifically prescribed or recommended for a medical reason.

Soft-sided nests, pods and positioners can create unsafe sleep surfaces.

Cot Bumpers

Cot bumpers are not needed and can create risks from:

• Suffocation
• Entanglement
• Overheating
• Climbing as the baby grows

Weighted Sleep Products

Do not use weighted blankets, weighted sleeping bags or other weighted sleep products for a baby unless specifically directed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Common Reasons Babies Wake

A baby may wake because of:

• Hunger
• A wet or dirty nappy
• Temperature
• Wind or reflux
• Illness
• Teething
• Need for comfort
• Normal sleep-cycle changes

Night Feeding

Many babies need night feeds during the first year.

The need depends on:

• Age
• Weight
• Growth
• Feeding method
• Medical history

Do not stop medically advised night feeds without speaking to the relevant healthcare professional.

Sleep Regressions

Parents often use the term sleep regression when a baby begins waking more frequently or resisting sleep after a more settled period.

Sleep changes may be linked to development, feeding, illness, teething or changing nap needs.

Focus on safety, comfort and a consistent routine rather than expecting a precise timetable.

When Sleep Problems May Need Medical Advice

Speak to a GP, health visitor or NHS 111 as appropriate if the baby:

• Is unusually difficult to wake
• Feeds poorly
• Has breathing pauses or persistent noisy breathing
• Turns blue or very pale
• Has a fever
• Seems in significant pain
• Has repeated forceful vomiting
• Is not gaining weight as expected

Call emergency services for an immediate or life-threatening emergency.

Helping Exhausted Parents

Severe sleep deprivation can affect concentration, mood and safety.

Practical support may include:

• Sharing safe night-time tasks
• Resting during the day
• Accepting help with meals and housework
• Limiting visitors
• Avoiding driving when dangerously tired
• Speaking to a health visitor or GP

Parental Mental Health

Ask for help if lack of sleep is contributing to:

• Persistent low mood
• Severe anxiety
• Panic
• Anger that feels difficult to control
• Intrusive thoughts
• Feeling unable to cope

Perinatal mental-health support may be available through the NHS.

Buying Sleep Products Preloved

Suitable preloved sleep-related items may include:

• Cots and cribs with all parts and instructions
• Moses-basket stands
• Fitted sheets in good condition
• Baby sleeping bags with clear labels
• Room thermometers
• Baby monitors in safe working order

Check Preloved Sleep Products Carefully

Before buying or using, check:

• Exact brand and model
• Recall status
• Missing parts
• Damage or repairs
• Assembly instructions
• Size and weight limits
• Electrical cables and plugs

Take Extra Care with Mattresses

A used mattress should be:

• Firm and flat
• Correct for the exact cot
• Clean and dry
• Free from tears, sagging and mould
• Stored in suitable conditions

When the history or condition is uncertain, buying a new mattress may be the safer choice.

Check UK Product Recalls

Before using a cot, crib, monitor or other sleep product, check the official UK Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls database.

Baby Sleep Items on Kidora

Kidora is a UK-only marketplace where parents can buy and sell new and suitable preloved baby and children’s items.

Parents may find cots, cribs, Moses baskets, sheets, sleeping bags and other products. Check the exact model, instructions, mattress size, condition, permanent labels, completeness and official recalls.

The Lullaby Trust generally recommends a new mattress for each baby. If a second-hand mattress is considered, follow its detailed condition and fit guidance.

Sellers pay no fees and keep 100% of the item sale price. Suitable products can be listed at £0 as FREE rather than being thrown away, helping another family. FREE listings are collection-only and do not include a Buyer Protection fee.

Kidora does not certify a product as safe for sleep. Do not list recalled, damaged, modified or unsuitable sleep products.

A Baby Sleep Checklist

• Place the baby on their back
• Use a firm, flat mattress
• Keep the cot clear
• Share a room for the first six months
• Avoid overheating
• Keep the baby’s head uncovered
• Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair
• Use safer-sleep guidance for every nap
• Keep monitor cables away from the cot
• Check preloved products and recalls carefully

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest position for a baby to sleep?

Place the baby on their back for every sleep unless a healthcare professional has given specific medical advice.

Should a newborn sleep in a separate room?

NHS guidance recommends a separate cot or crib in the same room as a parent for the first six months.

What temperature should the baby’s room be?

A room temperature of around 16°C to 20°C is commonly recommended. Dress the baby appropriately and check the chest or back of the neck.

Are cot bumpers safe?

No. Cot bumpers are unnecessary and can create suffocation, entanglement, overheating and climbing risks.

Can baby sleep products be bought preloved?

Some can, provided the exact model is suitable, complete, undamaged, correctly assembled and not affected by a recall. Take particular care with mattresses and electrical products.