Sleep Safe

All partners in Bolton are committed to ensuring every baby has the safest possible start in life. This page brings together key advice, guidance and resources for parents, carers and practitioners to help reduce risks and keep babies safe.

Sleep Safe

• Always place babies on their back to sleep.
• Use a firm, flat mattress.
• Keep baby in the same room as parents for the first 6 months.
• Keep sleep space clear of pillows, toys, and loose bedding.
• Maintain room temperature of 16–20°C.
• Avoid falling asleep with your baby on a sofa or chair.

External resources:

• The Lullaby Trust: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk
• NHS Safer Sleep: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/reducing-risk-of-sids/
• Knowledge Nugget – ICON and Safe Sleeping

Infant Crying

• Crying is normal and is how babies communicate.
• Babies may cry because they are hungry, tired, uncomfortable, unwell, or need comfort.
• Crying often increases in the first few weeks and may peak around 6–8 weeks.
• Responding to your baby helps them feel safe and secure. You cannot spoil a young baby.
• Try to soothe your baby by feeding, changing, holding, or gently rocking them.
• Some babies have periods of increased crying, especially in the evening. This is common and usually improves with time.
• If you feel overwhelmed, place your baby safely on their back in a cot and take a short break.
• Never shake a baby — it can cause serious injury or death.
• Seek medical advice if your baby seems unwell, has unusual crying, or you are concerned.

External resources:

• ICON: https://iconcope.org
• Knowledge Nugget – ICON and Safe Sleeping

Feeding Safety

• Never leave a baby unattended during feeding.
• Prepare formula according to guidance.
• Sterilise bottles and equipment.
• Always hold babies during feeds.

External resources:

• NHS Feeding: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/
• UNICEF Baby Friendly: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/

Preventing Accidents

• Never leave babies unattended on raised surfaces.
• Use harnesses in prams, highchairs and car seats.
• Keep small objects out of reach.
• Check bath water temperature.

External resources:

• CAPT: https://capt.org.uk
• RoSPA: https://www.rospa.com

Car Seat Safety

• Use an appropriate car seat.
• Ensure correct installation.
• Keep rear-facing as long as possible.
• Never use rear-facing seat with active airbag.

External resources:

• GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules
• Good Egg Safety: https://www.goodeggcarsafety.com  

Safe Environment

A baby’s environment should be as safe as possible. Small changes can significantly reduce risks in the home.

General safety

• Keep homes smoke-free.
• Store medicines, cleaning products, and sharp objects securely.
• Keep plastic bags, cords and small objects out of reach.
• Avoid exposing babies to second-hand smoke.

Pets and Babies

Pets can be an important part of family life, but babies should always be kept safe around animals.

• Never leave a baby alone with a pet, even a familiar family pet.
• Always closely supervise any interaction.
• Give pets a safe space where they can rest undisturbed.
• Keep pets away from sleeping areas, cots, and Moses baskets.
• Do not allow pets to lick a baby’s face or share toys/feeding equipment.
• Keep pet vaccinations, flea and worm treatments up to date.

Close supervision is essential as most incidents involving children and pets happen in the home, often with known animals.

It is also important to:

• Keep babies and pets separate during busy or distracting times.
• Use safety gates or barriers where needed.
• Learn to recognise signs that a pet may be stressed or uncomfortable.

External resources:

• Child Accident Prevention Trust (dogs and children): https://capt.org.uk/dogs-and-children
• PDSA – children and dogs safety: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-.advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/children-and-dogs

Water Safety in the Home

Water can be dangerous for babies, even in very small amounts.

• Never leave a baby unattended in the bath, even for a moment.
• Always keep your baby within arm’s reach in or near water.
• Babies can drown in just a few centimetres of water, quickly and silently.
• Do not rely on bath seats or aids — they are not safety devices.
• Do not leave a baby in the bath with older children supervising.

Additional home safety tips:

• Empty baths, paddling pools, and buckets immediately after use.
• Keep toilet lids closed and bathroom doors shut.
• Check bath water temperature before use.
• Avoid distractions (e.g. phones) when supervising bath time.

Drowning can happen quickly and silently, and babies may not splash or cry for help.

External resources:

• NHS Bath Safety Advice: https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/child-under-5-years/bath-safety-advice
• Royal Life Saving Society UK: https://www.rlss.org.uk/splash-safely-in-the-bath
• CAPT Drowning Prevention: https://capt.org.uk/drowning/

Recognising Illness

Seek urgent medical advice if a baby:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Unusual drowsiness or floppiness.
• High or low temperature.
• Feeding difficulties or vomiting.

External resources:

• NHS illness guide: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/health/is-your-baby-or-toddler-seriously-ill/

Local Support

If you want further advice about keeping your baby safe, seek support from your:

• Midwife - Maternity - Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
• Health Visitor - Children and Families Health Service (0–19 years) - Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
• GP - NHS GP in Bolton | Find an NHS Doctor in Bolton
• Family Hubs - Bolton Family Hubs – Bolton Council

Key Message

Babies rely entirely on adults to keep them safe. Simple actions like consistent supervision, safe storage, and awareness of everyday risks can prevent serious harm.

Following simple safety advice can significantly reduce risks. Everyone has a role to play in keeping infants safe.

All partners in Bolton are committed to ensuring every baby has the safest possible start in life. This page brings together key advice, guidance and resources for parents, carers and practitioners to help reduce risks and keep babies safe.