Your newborn's sleep space: a safe-sleep guide
Quick answers for this age
Can a newborn sleep in their own room?
Not yet. The NHS advises keeping your baby in a cot or Moses basket in your room for every sleep for at least the first 6 months.
Can a newborn have a pillow?
No. Pillows, duvets and quilts are not recommended for babies under 12 months.
Can a newborn sleep with a duvet?
No. Pillows, duvets and quilts are not recommended for babies under 12 months.
Can a newborn have a cot bumper?
No. The Lullaby Trust advises removing cot bumpers: babies can get tangled in the ties and fabric, or climb on them and fall.
Can a newborn sleep with a soft toy?
Not in the cot. Keep soft toys and comforters out of the sleep space until 12 months.
Can a newborn sleep in a sleeping bag?
Yes, once your baby meets the bag's minimum weight (most makers say about 4kg). Choose the right size so they cannot slip down inside.
Can a newborn sleep in a cot?
Yes. A cot with a firm, flat mattress is suitable from birth, in your room for at least the first 6 months.
Can a newborn sleep in a cot bed?
Yes. A cot bed with a firm, flat mattress is suitable from birth, in your room for at least the first 6 months.
Can a newborn still sleep in a bedside crib?
Yes, a bedside crib is designed for the early months of room sharing. Stay within its weight limit.
Can a newborn still sleep in a Moses basket?
Yes, a Moses basket is designed for the early months of room sharing. Stay within its weight limit.
Can a newborn sleep in a toddler bed?
No. A baby needs a cot, crib or Moses basket that follows safer-sleep advice. Toddler beds are for after the cot years.
Can a newborn use a highchair?
Not for meals yet. The NHS says weaning starts at around 6 months. Some highchairs have a newborn recline mode, but check the instructions.
Can a newborn sleep on their tummy?
No. Always put your baby down on their back. If they roll, move them back, until they can roll both ways by themselves.
Can a newborn sleep in a car seat?
Short naps while you are travelling are fine, but the NHS says take your baby out of the car seat once you arrive.
Can a newborn sleep in a travel cot?
Yes, if it is set up like a cot: rigid frame and base, its own firm mattress, no extra padding, and within the weight limit.
Can a newborn sleep with a blanket?
Yes, if it is lightweight, firmly tucked no higher than the shoulders, with your baby feet to foot. One doubled blanket counts as two.
Can I swaddle a newborn?
You can, if you follow the Lullaby Trust's swaddling steps. Stop swaddling with arms in as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling, and never swaddle when bed-sharing.
Can a newborn sleep on their side?
No. Sleeping on the front or side greatly increases the risk of SIDS. Put your baby down on their back for every sleep.
Can a newborn sleep on a raised or tilted mattress for reflux?
No. Keep the sleep surface flat. The Lullaby Trust says not to incline, tilt or prop the mattress or cot, as it does not help reflux. Speak to your doctor instead.
What the guidance says
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in the feet-to-foot position (feet at the bottom of the cot, Moses basket or pram).
- Follow safer-sleep advice for every sleep until your baby is 12 months old (12 months from the due date for premature babies).
- The NHS advises placing your baby in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for every sleep, day and night, for at least the first 6 months.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Coleby Classic Cot Bed & Under Drawer
- Evie Cot Bed - White
- Coleby Classic Scandi Cot Bed
- Pembrey Cot Bed and Under Drawer
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Sources
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
- The Lullaby Trust: Safer sleep advice (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.