From swaddling to sleeping bags – our team’s 6 must-dos for setting up a safe sleep zone for babies

Exactly half of Team TRB are mums to small children – so we know just how much there is to think about, especially when it comes to safe sleep.

Looking back on those hazy earlier days, sleep (or the lack of it) quickly became a central part of daily life, and we had so many questions. A shared experience was searching for guidance without the guesswork. When it came to ensuring safe sleeping for babies, we just wanted to feel confident we were making the right choices, especially in those first 12 months. 

Fast forward to 2025, and we’re teaming up with ergoPouch – creators of natural fibre, premium, ergonomically designed sleeping bags, swaddles and sleepwear for babies and kids –  to get the very latest. Their mission is simple: not all babies are the same, but they all need to sleep safely.

Read on for our six must-dos for setting up a safe, cosy sleep zone at home, informed by guidelines from the NHS and The Lullaby Trust, and spotlighting extra insights from the expert team at ergoPouch, plus a few supportive product picks from their range.

1. Keep the cot clear

When it comes to safe sleeping for babies, The Lullaby Trust guidelines say baby should sleep in a separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, in the same room as you for the first six months. 

The ‘bare is best’ rule is one to stick to here, too. That means no cuddly toys, no cot bumpers, no loose blankets. Just a firm, flat waterproof mattress and a fitted sheet.

Each of us on the team has found small ways to make our baby’s cot space feel warm and comforting over the years. A soft light nearby, a soothing bedtime routine, and a room set at the right temperature go a long way.

ergoPouch picks: To help keep your baby warm without the need for blankets, the ergoPouch range of TOG-rated swaddles and baby sleeping bags stands out. They’re designed to keep babies snug at just the right warmth level, depending on your room temperature. 

If your little one doesn’t like being swaddled, the HugMe Blanket, created in partnership with The Lullaby Trust, is another safer-sleep option. It’s a clever mattress sleeve that keeps baby secure and warm, without any loose bedding that could come untucked.

2. Check the room temperature and layer baby right

Getting the room temperature right is key to creating a safe sleep space, so it’s important to check that your baby isn’t too hot or too cold. 

The ideal temperature for a baby’s room is between 16 – 20°C, and a room thermometer makes this easy to monitor.

Once you know the room temperature, you can layer your baby’s clothing accordingly. TOG-rated sleepwear takes the guesswork out of this. The higher the TOG rating, the warmer the fabric — so a 0.2 TOG is light for warmer rooms, while 2.5 TOG or higher is for cooler spaces. 

Team TRB tip: Add or remove layers underneath depending on the season and your baby’s needs.

3. Pay attention to sleep positions

The safest sleeping position for babies is always on their back, and never on their front or side. This applies to all sleeps, day and night, and continues until your baby can confidently roll both ways on their own.

Whether you’re using a swaddle or a sleeping bag, always place your baby down on their back with their feet at the foot of the cot.

Team TRB tip: Placing baby ‘feet to foot’ from the get-go is a great habit to get into. It’ll soon become muscle memory – handy when you’re bleary-eyed at 3am!

4. Swaddle safely

Swaddling can be a helpful way to settle newborns and support longer stretches of sleep – especially in those early weeks when the (adorable) startle reflex is still strong. But it needs to be done safely, with hip-healthy, breathable fabrics.

You should never swaddle if your baby has an infection or fever , or if you’re co-sleeping.

ergoPouch picks: The Cocoon Swaddle Bag is a simple, safe swaddling option. It’s designed to be hip-friendly and can be used with arms in or out, depending on your baby’s stage or preference. 

For babies who prefer their hands up near their face, the Butterfly Cardi is a gentle, wrap-style solution that encourages self-soothing and also works as a transition aid for arms-out sleeping once rolling begins.

Is it safe to swaddle a newborn​? A mini guide, by age and stage

You can absolutely swaddle a newborn, but it’s important to stop swaddling once they can roll over on their own. There’s no exact age when all babies start to roll, but it’s often between 3 – 6 months. 

Here are the key signs your baby may be ready to transition:

• Pushing up on hands during tummy time
• Trying to roll when unswaddled
• Increased fussiness when swaddled
• Trying to get hands near their face
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Startle reflex beginning to fade

At 0 – 2 months

Use a hip-healthy swaddle with arms in to help your newborn feel secure and reduce the startle reflex.

At 2 – 3 months

Watch for signs of rolling and begin to prepare for the transition to arms-out. Consider swaddles with arms-up options or transition aids

3+ months

If baby is rolling, or attempting to, stop swaddling and move to a TOG-rated sleeping bag that allows full movement of arms and legs.

Team TRB tip: You know your baby best, so look out for cues that it’s time to move from swaddling to arms-out sleeping, and bookmark the above as a rough guide.

5. Transition to a sleeping bag that suits

Once your baby has outgrown swaddling, or never took to it in the first place, it’s time to move to a sleeping bag. These are wearable blankets that keep your baby warm and cosy without any risk of loose bedding.

Choose a sleeping bag based on your babies age, as well as the room temperature. It can be a good idea to get a couple of different sleeping bags per size, so that you have options.

ergoPouch pick: The ergoPouch range has a handy TOG rating system and soft, breathable fabrics. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade, and it tells you how warm the sleepwear is. The lower the number, the lighter the material.

Every ergoPouch sleep product up to size 8–24 months comes with a free Room Thermometer* and What to Wear Guide. Here’s how to use them:

1. Use the thermometer strip to check the temperature of the room.
2. Match the temperature to the recommended TOG rating in the guide.
3. Choose the corresponding TOG-rated product (0.2/0.3, 1.0, 2.5 or 3.5 TOG) based on your baby’s age and size.
4. Layer underneath with the right pyjamas or bodysuits (called ‘Layers’ in the ergoPouch range).

Over time, you’ll get to know what layers work best for your child.

6. Choose a baby monitor that works for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to monitors, so think about what gives you the most peace of mind. Some of us prefer video monitors so we can see what’s going on without disturbing baby during naps.

Others are happy with an audio-only monitor, or even a movement monitor that tracks baby’s motion. Choose a model that suits your space and your needs.

Team TRB tip: Don’t overpay for bells and whistles here. Some monitors come with breathing sensors, lullabies, temperature alerts, and more. These can work great, but when it comes to your peace of mind, clear audio, good video, and reliable range are what really counts.

Our bottom line?

Reading up about risks can feel scary, but if you’re following trusted, up-to-date guidelines where you can and choosing supportive, safe sleep brands as part of your little one’s routine, you’re already doing great.

For tried-and-tested safe sleepwear and tools loved by mums, explore the full range from ergoPouch. It’s all thoughtfully designed to support safe sleeping for babies at every stage.

*Included with all Swaddles, Sleeping Bags, Sleep Suit Bags and Sleep Onesies up to size 8-24 months only. Not included with Layers and Pyjamas.