Baby sleep support

Before I go into this, I want to emphasise that everyone's situation is different, and I fully appreciate that there's no one size fits all. The advice I'm about to give is what the NHS recommends after decades of studies on the safest way to put a baby to sleep.

So the safest sleep setup is a baby sleeping on their back in a clear, flat, firm, separate sleep space (such as a cot or Moses basket) in the same room as a parent or caregiver for the first six months.

Always place your baby on their back to sleep - NHS guidance says babies should sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Keep the sleep space clear with no pillows, toys, or loose bedding.

Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress.

Keep your baby in a smoke-free environment (smoking in pregnancy or after birth increases the risk of SIDS).

Avoid overheating and keep the room at a comfortable 16–20°C.

Share your room with your baby for at least the first six months.

All of that said, I know this is easier said than done.

AD LIB - I'm a fairly new parent myself and know it's really hard sometimes if a baby won't settle.

What I want to emphasise is that if you're having trouble, you're not alone. The Lullaby Trust notes that around a third of babies will not have slept through the night by 12 months.