Sleep Baby With Head and Face Uncovered

Covering baby’s head or face increases the risk of sudden infant death.

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Your baby’s face and head needs to stay uncovered during sleep as this reduces the risk of SUDI. A good way to do this is to put baby’s feet at the bottom of the cot so that baby can’t slip down under the blankets. You may decide not to use blankets at all and instead, use a safe baby sleeping bag: one with fitted neck and arm holes and no hood.

Keep the head uncovered indoors; no head coverings including bonnets, beanies, hats, hoodie or hooded clothing.

When baby is put to sleep, check that:

  • Baby’s feet are positioned at the bottom of the cot
  • Bedclothes are tucked in securely so bedding is not loose, or place baby in a safe sleeping bag
  • Head coverings are removed before baby is placed for sleep
  • There are no doonas, quilts, loose bedding or fabric, pillows, lambswool, bumpers or soft toys in the cot


Last modified: 20/2/18