A parent asks
A young baby is safer sleeping on their side or front.
Sleep advice
What the evidence says
Safer-sleep guidance recommends putting a baby on their back in their own cot or Moses basket, in the same room as you for the first 6 months. The sleep space should be firm, flat and clear of pillows, bumpers and loose bedding.
Where it gets nuanced
This is general safer-sleep guidance. A clinician may give different positioning instructions for a specific medical situation; follow individualized medical advice when that applies.
The Harmony Bridge
For routine sleep, place your baby on their back in a clear, firm, flat sleep space rather than positioning them on their side or front.
Talking about it at home
If you need to explain this to family
You could say: “I know side or front sleeping may have been common advice before. Current safer-sleep guidance is to put the baby on their back in a clear, firm, flat sleep space, so that’s what we’re following.”
Sources
Reviewed by Saha editorial on 2026-10-04. Editorial review does not mean clinician review or medical validation.