This is the most important thing you can do to reduce cot death; it is not safe for babies to sleep on their front or side (unless specifically recommended by your doctor.)This is partially due to the fact that young babies who lack strength in their necks are unable to lift their heads up if they find it hard to breathe. Babies should be put on their back to sleep whenever they are put down to sleep. Babies are not more likely to choke on their back and you shouldn’t worry about them developing ‘flat head.’