What does feet to foot mean?
Short answer: It means putting your baby down with their feet at the very bottom of the cot, Moses basket or pram, so they cannot wriggle down under the covers.
Here is the detail behind that answer, taken from current UK guidance from the NHS and the Lullaby Trust.
Things to check
- Check the internal size and buy a mattress that fits with no gaps.
- Adjustable base heights let you lower the mattress as your baby learns to sit and stand.
- Teething rails protect the top rails from little teeth.
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).
- If you use sheets and blankets, tuck them in firmly no higher than shoulder height. One blanket doubled over counts as two.
Related questions
What is a cot?
A framed baby bed with fixed sides, usually taking a 120 x 60cm mattress.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
Can a 9 month old sleep in a cot?Can a 4 month old sleep on their tummy?Cribs buying guide for UK parentsWhat bedding goes in a cot?Twins safe sleep quizCot beds buying guide for UK parentsAll 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.