For all babies 0-12 months, Red Nose recommends six key steps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death.
1) Always place baby on their back to sleep
Placing baby on their back to sleep helps keep their airway clear and ensures their protective reflexes work. Back sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, overheating and choking.
2) Keep baby’s face and head uncovered
Babies control their temperature through their face and head, so keeping baby’s face and head uncovered during sleep helps reduce the risk of overheating. It also helps keep their airways clear which reduces the risk of suffocation.
3) Keep baby smoke free, before and after birth
Smoking during pregnancy and around baby once they are born increases the risk of sudden infant death – this includes second-hand smoke.
If you or your partner smoke, don’t smoke around baby and never smoke where baby sleeps.
For free help to quit smoking call Quitline on 13 78 48.
4) Safe sleeping environment, night and day
The safest place for baby to sleep is in their own safe space, with a safe mattress, and safe bedding. Baby should always be placed on their back to sleep, with their feet at the bottom of the bassinet or cot.
Safe cot
Meets Australian standard AS/NZS 2172:2003.
Safe mattress
Firm, flat, right size for your safe cot, meets voluntary Australian standard (AS/NZS 8811.1:2013).
Safe bedding
Lightweight bedding, firmly tucked in and only pulled up to the chest.
Safe sleeping bag
Well fitted across the neck and chest, with baby’s arms out, and no hood.
5) Sleep baby in a safe cot in parents’ or caregiver’s room for the first 6-12 months
The safest place for baby to sleep is in their own safe space, in the same room as their parents or adult caregiver for the first 6-12 months.
6) Breastfeed baby
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death.
Red Nose Safe Sleep Advice Line
1300 998 698
education@rednose.org.au