Can my baby sleep face down on a breathable mattress?
Short answer: No. Whatever the mattress, the Lullaby Trust says front or side sleeping greatly increases the risk of SIDS. Put your baby down on their back.
Here is the detail behind that answer, taken from current UK guidance from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.
Things to check
- Measure the inside of the cot. The mattress should fit with no gaps.
- Choose firm, flat and waterproof. Your baby's head should sink no more than a few millimetres.
- Check for a fire-resistant label and the relevant British Standard.
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).
Related questions
What is a cot mattress?
A firm, flat mattress for a standard cot, usually 120 x 60cm.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
Browse cot mattresses 120 x 60
- Tutti Bambini Sprung Cot/Cot Bed Mattress
- Obaby Fibre Mattress - 120 x 60cm
- Tutti Bambini Natural Coir Fibre Cot Mattress (60 x 120 cm)
- Tutti Bambini Eco Fibre Cot Mattress (60 x 120 cm)
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
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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.