AvoidGeneral guidanceBirth and newborn preparation

Safe newborn sleep products

Use a firm, flat sleep surface made for infant sleep with a fitted sheet; keep pillows, loose bedding, bumpers, toys, nests and positioners out of the sleep space.

Direct guidance

What to know or do

Place the baby on their back for sleep and avoid overheating or smoke exposure. Marketing words such as cocoon, anti-reflux or breathable do not replace current safe-sleep guidance for the exact product.

What changes the answer

  • Pregnancy history, current findings and the capabilities of the planned birth setting
  • Consent, communication, pain relief, support, feeding and newborn-care preferences
  • How an urgent change, caesarean birth, preterm birth or neonatal admission would be handled

General guidance

When to get individual help

Choose a lower-risk alternative when possible. If the exposure already happened, record the product, amount, timing and symptoms and ask for advice instead of assuming harm.