Caring for your baby at night and whilst sleeping

Posted on April 20th, 2026

Some of the evidence suggests that there is still a small correlation between bedsharing and SIDS even when neither parent/carer’s smoke. This could be due to hazardous sleeping environment, an infant’s vulnerabilities such as preterm, small for dates and infants who are solely formula fed. Mothers who artificially feed are more inclined to turn onto their backs once they have fallen asleep (UNICEF 2022).

Bed Sharing & Safety Issues:

· Adult mattresses are not designed for infants.

· Adult pillows and bedding may contribute to suffocation.

· Adult duvets can contribute to overheating – the ideal temperature for an infant’s room is 16-20 0C.

· Other children or pets may be sharing the parental bed, and this may lead to suffocation or over-heating.

· Infants may be squashed /suffocated by parents or others in the bed. · Infants may get wedged in the bed or may wriggle into a position from which they can’t get out.

· Infants may roll out of bed and be injured.

UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Caring for your baby at night – a parent’s guide . This leaflet offers helpful, practical advice to parents on looking after their baby at night.