Should my baby sleep on their back?
Short answer: Yes. The NHS says always place your baby on their back to sleep, for every sleep.
Here is the detail behind that answer, taken from current UK guidance from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.
Things to check
- Check the mattress size listed for the frame. 140 x 70cm is common, but not universal.
- Keep every conversion panel, bolt and instruction sheet for the toddler-bed stage.
- Look at adjustable base heights, teething rails and any matching furniture.
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).
- Move your baby onto their back if they roll, until they can roll from front to back by themselves.
Related questions
What is a cot bed?
A cot with removable sides and ends that converts into a toddler bed, most often taking a 140 x 70cm mattress.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
- Coleby Classic Cot Bed & Under Drawer
- Obaby Nika Cot Bed & Underdrawer
- Obaby Orla Cot Bed - White with Natural
- Obaby Stamford Mini Sleigh Cot Bed in White
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
What mattress does a bedside crib need?Do I need a bedside crib?Your 1 year's sleep space: a safe-sleep guideSecond-hand nursery kit quizRoom temperature and overheating quizYour 2 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)
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.