Learn these essential tips for safe sleeping for your baby!
1. Put babies to sleep on their backs
This is the safest position for healthy babies. Babies are more likely to die of SUDI including SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents if they sleep on their sides or tummies.
Once your baby can roll over (at around 4-6 months), keep putting him to sleep on his back, but let him find his own sleeping position.
Also, place your baby low down in the cot, so her feet are near the bottom end. Tuck in the bed sheets securely so they can’t cover your baby’s head.
2. Make sure your babies’ head can’t get covered whilst sleeping
Instead of a blanket, consider using a sleep sack, wearable blanket or footed sleeper to keep your baby warm.
3. Avoid smoking
There is strong evidence that second-hand smoking harms babies, and that smoking during pregnancy and after birth increases the risk of SUDI including SIDS, and fatal sleeping accidents.
4. Share a room
Have the baby’s cot in your room for the first 6-12 months. Also, remind everyone who cares for your baby, including babysitters and family members, how to keep baby safe while sleeping.
5. Keep baby’s sleep space clutter free – no pillows, blankets or toys.
Avoid cot bumpers, soft toys, pillows, doonas, and sheepskin or lamb’s wool. Babies have been suffocated by rolling into or being covered by these soft objects. It’s safest to keep them out of your baby’s cot.
6. Use a firm and well-fitting mattress
Make sure there are no gaps between the mattress and the edge of the cot, where a baby’s head could get jammed.
7. Make sure their mattress uses 100% natural and organic materials
Check products are tested and certified (e.g. OEKO-TEX® Standard) to ensure they are safe for babies. Try to avoid materials that use harsh chemicals or synthetic materials which may trigger asthma, sensitive skins and allergies. Using natural materials provides greater health benefits so your baby can breathe and sleep easy in a safe, chemical-free environment.
Create a safe sleeping environment by removing all potential dangers to ensure your baby is sleeping in a safe place. The ideal place for a baby to sleep is in a safe cot, on a safe mattress, with safe bedding in a safe sleeping place, both night and day.