As a parent or carer of a baby or child, there are several key things you can do to help reduce the risks of cot death. The key safe sleeping messages are listed below, but if you would like more detailed information, just click on the appropriate links:

Safe Sleeping Messages

• The safest place for your baby to sleep at night is in a cot, in your room, for the first 6 months
• Place your baby in the cot in the “feet to foot” position
• Place your baby to sleep on its back
• Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth
• Breastfeed your baby (remembering to follow the other safe-sleeping advice too)
• Offer a dummy for every period of sleep, including daytime naps (if breastfeeding, wait until feeding is well established) 
• Don’t let your baby get too warm and keep your baby’s head uncovered when sleeping
• Don’t fall asleep with your baby on a couch or armchair
• Don’t share a bed with your baby if you or your partner smoke; have recently drunk any alcohol; or if you have taken medication or drugs that could make you sleepy (including methadone or illegal drugs)