Can my baby sleep in a sling?
Short answer: Follow the T.I.C.K.S. rules for slings and keep your baby's face in view. For longer sleeps, a flat, clear sleep space is safest.
Here is the detail behind that answer, taken from current UK guidance from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.
Things to check
- Use the mattress made for that basket, so it fits with no gaps.
- Use the basket on the floor or on its own stand, never on a raised surface like a sofa or table.
- Check the weight limit in the instructions.
What the guidance says
- For slings, follow the T.I.C.K.S. rules: Tight, In view, Close enough to kiss, Keep the chin off the chest, Supported back. Do not feed your baby while they are in the sling.
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition, with no raised or cushioned edges, that fits the cot or Moses basket with no gaps.
Related questions
What is a Moses basket?
A small, light, portable basket bed for newborns, often used on a stand.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Scout Travel Crib, Cot and Playpen Complete Toy Bar
- Obaby Sophie Gliding Crib with Locking Function
- Sophie Swinging Crib + Foam Mattress - Warm Grey
- CoZee Luxe Mini Me Crib
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Crib buying checklistIs it safe to put a baby down in a playpen to sleep?Are Moses basket sheets universal?When should I lower the cot base?Bed-sharing risks quizYour 7 month's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideAll safe sleep and sleep spaces advice →
Sources
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (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.