Is Your Baby's Sleep Space Safe?
When I had my first baby, safe sleep felt like one of those topics where everyone had an opinion.
One person would say babies need blankets. Another would say they shouldn't have blankets at all. Then someone else would mention room temperature, sleep bags, cot bumpers, swaddles and sleeping positions.
The good news is that the basics are actually quite simple. Most safe sleep advice comes down to creating a clear sleep space, keeping babies comfortable without overheating, and reducing anything that could increase risk while they sleep.
The Sleep Space
One of the simplest ways to create a safer sleep environment is to keep the cot clear.
A firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet is all most babies need. Pillows, duvets, cot bumpers and soft toys might look cosy, but they aren't recommended for young babies during sleep.
I know it's tempting to make the cot look cute, especially when you're setting up a nursery, but babies don't need much in their sleep space.
If you're currently setting up a nursery, my Nursery Starter Guide can help with some of the other practical essentials without overbuying.
Position & Temperature
Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep. This remains the recommended sleeping position until they can roll independently.
You'll also often hear the phrase "feet to foot." This simply means placing baby with their feet at the bottom of the cot so they are less likely to wriggle down underneath bedding.
Room temperature is another thing that worried me far more than it needed to. A room temperature around 16–20°C is generally recommended, and babies usually need fewer layers than many parents expect.
If you're constantly wondering whether your baby is too warm or too cold, my Baby Too Hot or Cold? guide and Why Your Baby Won't Sleep: Sleep Pressure guide often help make sense of sleep and temperature concerns.
What helps: Products I actually used
Room Thermometer.A room thermometer also helps way more than I expected, especially when the weather randomly changes overnight and the bedroom suddenly feels completely different.
Sleeping Bag. A simple way to keep baby warm without loose bedding.
Cellular Blanket. Useful for parents who prefer using a blanket, as the open weave allows better airflow.
Maxi-Cosi Iora Air bedside crib. Can make room sharing during the first six months more convenient.
Extra Safe Sleep Tips
Some of the smaller safe sleep recommendations are easy to overlook.
Room sharing for the first six months is often recommended because it allows parents to respond more quickly during the night while keeping baby in their own sleep space.
If you use a blanket, cellular blankets are commonly recommended because their breathable design allows air to circulate more easily. The blanket should stay below shoulder level and be tucked in securely.
Swaddling is another area that can cause confusion. Once a baby starts showing signs of rolling, it is usually time to stop swaddling and move to a sleep bag instead.
I also learnt very quickly that sofas and armchairs are places where it is easy to accidentally drift off during a night feed. Creating a comfortable feeding setup can help reduce that risk. If you're navigating difficult nights, my Baby Sleep Troubleshooter guide can help narrow down whether sleep issues are related to temperature, routine, wake windows or something else.
Final thought
Safe sleep advice can feel overwhelming at first, but most of it comes back to a few simple principles: a clear sleep space, a comfortable room temperature, safe sleep positioning and avoiding unnecessary bedding.
You don't need a complicated setup. In most cases, simpler is better.
This isn’t professional advice — just a simple breakdown of what I’ve found helpful.
Most of this is easier to understand visually.
I’ve put all my guides into one place so you can browse them properly.
FAQs
Do babies need blankets in their cot?
Not necessarily. Many parents choose sleep bags instead. If using a blanket, a cellular blanket is commonly recommended because it allows airflow and can be tucked in securely.
What does "feet to foot" mean?
It means placing your baby's feet at the bottom of the cot. This helps reduce the chance of them wriggling down underneath bedding.
Why are cellular blankets recommended?
The open weave design allows air to circulate more easily than thick blankets. That's why they're commonly mentioned in safe sleep guidance.
When should I stop swaddling my baby?
As soon as your baby starts showing signs of rolling. At that stage, many parents move to an appropriate sleep bag instead.
Does my baby need their own room?
Many safe sleep recommendations suggest keeping baby in the same room as parents for the first six months, while still having their own separate sleep space.