Can an 11 month old sleep on their side?
Short answer: No. Sleeping on the front or side greatly increases the risk of SIDS. Put your baby down on their back for every sleep. Safer-sleep advice applies until 12 months, about 1 month from 11 month.
Use the same advice for every sleep, day and night, until 12 months.
What the guidance says
- Sleeping a baby on their front or side greatly increases the risk of SIDS. Back sleeping is safest unless a doctor has advised otherwise.
- 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).
- Once your baby can roll from back to front and back again by themselves, they can find their own position. Keep putting them down on their back.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Bantam Cot - White
- Tutti Bambini Misha Cot Bed - Sage / Golden Oak
- Ickle Bubba Bubba&Me Bedside Crib
- Coleby Mini Cot Bed and Under Drawer
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Can an 8 month old sleep in a travel cot?Bedside crib vs crib: which is better?Cot vs travel cot: which is better?What safety standard should a Moses basket have?Night-time temperature quizSafe sleep set-up for the first night homeAll safe sleep and sleep spaces advice →
Sources
- The Lullaby Trust: Sleeping position (accessed 2026-10-21)
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (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.