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A Guide To Newborn Sleep Positions
Back to Baby Sleep
It's 2am, your newborn has finally drifted off, and you're hovering over the Moses basket wondering if they're lying the right way. Totally normal. Here's a simple guide to newborn sleep positions: which one is recommended, which ones to avoid, what to do when your baby starts rolling and how to set up a safer sleep space around them.
The short answer
Put your newborn on their back for every sleep, day and night, from birth. Sleeping a baby on their front or side greatly increases the risk of SIDS, so it's best to avoid both. Once your baby can roll from back to front and back again on their own, they can find their own sleeping position. Pair back sleeping with a firm, flat mattress and a clear cot.
In this article
- Why Sleeping Position Matters For Babies
- Recommended Sleeping Position: Back-Sleeping
- Sleeping Positions To Avoid For Newborns And Infants
- What To Do When Your Baby Starts Rolling
- Is It Safe To Use Sleep Positioners?
- Creating A Safer Sleep Environment
- Why Baby Sleepwear Matters For Safer, More Comfortable Sleep
- FAQs About Newborn Sleep Positions
Why Sleeping Position Matters For Babies
The position your baby sleeps in is one of the simplest ways to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Newborns can't yet move themselves out of a tricky spot, so how you place them down really matters. That's why The Lullaby Trust puts sleeping position at the very top of its safer sleep advice. The good news? It's free, it's easy and it works from the very first night.
Recommended Sleeping Position: Back-Sleeping
Back sleeping is the recommended sleeping position for babies, for every sleep, day or night. The easiest way to stick with it? Make it part of your routine from the very first night.
A few simple ways to get it right every time:
- Every sleep counts. Back sleeping is for naps and night-time, at home and when you're out. Consistency matters: a baby who usually sleeps on their back but is occasionally put down on their front or side is at higher risk.
- Feet to foot. Lie your baby with their feet at the foot of the cot or Moses basket, so they can't wriggle down under any bedding.
- Keep their head uncovered. Babies are at higher risk of SIDS if their head is covered, so no hats or loose fabric near their face.
- Tell the team. Make sure grandparents, childminders and nursery staff know the back-to-sleep rule too.
Worried about your baby choking on their back? It's a really common concern, and you're not alone in it. The Lullaby Trust says no research has found this to be the case, and that babies are far safer sleeping on their backs.
Sleeping Positions To Avoid For Newborns And Infants
Until your baby can roll from back to front and back again on their own, there are two sleeping positions to steer clear of: on their side and on their front.
Sleeping On Their Side
Side sleeping isn't recommended. The Lullaby Trust says sleeping a baby on their side greatly increases the risk of SIDS. Side positions are also unstable, so babies can easily roll onto their tummy.
Once your baby can roll independently, they'll often find their way onto their side. That's okay. Keep placing them down on their back to start every sleep. Read more in our guide, Can Newborns Sleep On Their Side?
Sleeping On Their Stomach
Front sleeping isn't recommended either. Like side sleeping, it greatly increases the risk of SIDS for babies who can't yet roll both ways on their own.
Tummy time is still a great idea while your baby is awake and you're keeping an eye on them. It helps their development and builds the strength they'll need for rolling. For more, read Can Babies Sleep On Their Stomach Safely?
What To Do When Your Baby Starts Rolling
Once your baby can roll from back to front and back again on their own, they'll be able to find their own sleeping position. This is a big milestone, and it usually means a few changes to their sleep set-up.
Rolling changes everything. Here's what to do next:
- Keep placing them on their back. Always start every sleep on their back, even once they're rolling.
- Turn them back early on, if you like. In the early rolling days you might gently turn them onto their back, but you don't need to get up all night to check.
- Stop swaddling with arms in. As soon as your baby shows signs of rolling, it's time to move on from arms-in swaddling, so their arms are free to help them push up and roll back. Our guide to transitioning walks you through it.
- Keep up the tummy time. More awake tummy time helps them get stronger and more confident at rolling.
Not sure if your baby is there yet? Our guide to when babies start rolling over covers the signs.
Is It Safe To Use Sleep Positioners?
No. The Lullaby Trust does not recommend wedges and sleep positioners. It says the safest way for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat mattress, in a clear cot free of pillows, toys, bumpers and sleep positioners.
The same goes for raising one end of the cot. Inclining, tilting or propping the mattress, cot or your baby isn't recommended, and it won't help with reflux. A firm, flat mattress and back sleeping are all your baby needs.
Creating A Safer Sleep Environment
The right position works best inside the right sleep space. Here's a quick checklist, based on The Lullaby Trust's safer sleep advice:
- Back to sleep. Put your baby on their back for every sleep.
- A clear cot. No pillows, duvets, bumpers, soft toys, pods, nests or rolled-up towels.
- Firm, flat, waterproof mattress. No soft mattresses, cushioned sides or raised edges.
- Room share. Keep your baby in the same room as you for at least the first six months.
- Not too hot. Aim for a room temperature of 16 to 20°C.
- Smoke free. Keep your baby smoke free, day and night.
- Never on a sofa or armchair. If you might fall asleep, pop your baby on their back in their own clear, flat sleep space.
For the full checklist, see our safer sleep guidelines for newborn babies and 6 expert tips from The Lullaby Trust.
Why Baby Sleepwear Matters For Safer, More Comfortable Sleep
Loose bedding can end up over your baby's head, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid. A well-fitted baby sleeping bag can be used instead, and when your baby is in one, no extra bedding is needed. We've been designing sleepwear around safer sleep since 2008, so here's how that looks at each stage:
- Newborn: our Swaddle Up™ is designed for back sleeping, with no loose fabric to kick off and room for their hips to move. It lets your baby sleep with their hands up near their face, just like they did in the womb, which can help them self-soothe.
- Rolling: when your baby shows signs of rolling, a transition swaddle helps them get used to arms-free sleep, one arm at a time.
- Arms free: once they're rolling confidently, a sleeping bag keeps them cosy without any loose bedding.
To avoid overheating, choose a TOG to suit the room and dress your baby comfortably underneath. Our guide to TOG ratings makes it easy.
FAQs About Newborn Sleep Positions
What position should a newborn sleep in?
On their back, for every sleep, day or night, from the start. Sleeping a baby on their front or side greatly increases the risk of SIDS. Lie them with their feet at the foot of the cot.
Will my baby choke if they sleep on their back?
It's a really common worry, but there's no research showing babies are more likely to choke on their backs. They're far safer sleeping this way. If your baby has a medical condition, speak to your GP or health visitor about the right sleeping position for them.
Is it okay if my baby rolls onto their front in their sleep?
Once your baby can roll from back to front and back again on their own, they can find their own sleeping position. Keep placing them on their back to start every sleep. In the early rolling days you might gently turn them back, but you don't need to get up all night to check.
Should I raise the head of the cot for reflux?
No. Inclining, tilting or propping the mattress, cot or your baby isn't recommended, and it won't help with reflux. If you're worried about reflux, speak to your GP or health visitor.
Can my baby sleep on the sofa with me?
No. Sofas and armchairs are dangerous places to fall asleep with your baby. If you feel you might nod off, pop your baby on their back in their own clear, flat sleep space, like a cot or Moses basket.
Key takeaway
Back is best, for every sleep, from birth. Avoid side and front sleeping until your baby can roll both ways on their own, skip the wedges and positioners and keep the cot clear. Pair it with fitted sleepwear for each stage, and you've got a safer, cosier set-up for those hard-earned hours of sleep.
Looking for more support through the newborn stage? Explore our baby sleep blog for practical, parent-friendly guides.