Menu
Menu
For new parents, few things feel as magical — or as daunting — as bringing a baby home. Tiny fingers, soft yawns, midnight feeds… and the sudden weight of responsibility for this little life. One of the most pressing concerns many parents face is sleep safety.
Sleep is essential for a baby’s growth, development, and well-being. But sleep is also the time when babies are most vulnerable. Tragically, some infants die suddenly and unexpectedly during sleep, a phenomenon once known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and now more broadly described as Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).
The good news? Research shows that simple, consistent practices reduce the risks significantly. That’s the mission of Red Nose Australia, the leading authority on safe sleep and prevention of sudden infant deaths. Their evidence-based recommendations have helped reduce SIDS rates by more than 80% in the last three decades.
Red Nose summarises safe sleep into six evidence-based principles. These are practical, achievable steps that every family can take, regardless of budget, culture, or home setup.
Back sleeping is the safest position for babies, reducing the risk of airway obstruction and overheating. Side and tummy positions increase risks and should be avoided unless specifically advised by a medical professional.
Tip: Encourage tummy time while baby is awake and supervised. This supports motor development without compromising sleep safety.
Babies breathe best when their airway is clear. Sleeping bags with fitted necklines (not hoods) are safer than blankets, which can ride up over the face. If blankets are used, they should be tucked firmly under the mattress and placed no higher than the baby’s chest.
The cot or bassinet should be free of soft toys, pillows, bumpers, doonas, or loose bedding. A firm, well-fitted mattress is essential. While elaborate nursery décor looks cute on Instagram, it can create real hazards.
Practical mantra: Bare is best.
For the first 6–12 months, the safest place for a baby is in their own cot or bassinet, in the parents’ room. This proximity makes feeding easier and provides comfort, while minimising the risks associated with bedsharing.
If parents do choose to bedshare, Red Nose provides specific harm-reduction advice, such as never bedsharing if tired, unwell, or under the influence of alcohol or medication.
Cots sold in Australia must meet strict safety standards (AS/NZS 2172 for cots, AS/NZS 2195 for folding cots). Second-hand cots should be checked carefully for compliance, spacing of slats, and absence of broken parts.
Mattresses should be flat, firm, clean, and fit snugly in the cot with no gaps.
Exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy and after birth is one of the strongest risk factors for SUDI. Keeping a baby’s environment smoke-free — at home, in the car, and in childcare — is critical.
Creating a safe sleep setup doesn’t mean giving up comfort, bonding, or cultural practices. With a few thoughtful routines, parents can combine safety with nurturing care.
Bedtime ritual: Soft lights, lullabies, and gentle cuddles can signal sleep without adding unsafe items to the cot.
Sleeping bags: Choose ones appropriate for the season, with TOG ratings that match the room temperature. This removes the need for loose blankets.
Temperature check: Babies sleep best in a room between 18–22°C. Use light clothing layers and avoid overheating.
Position consistency: Every sleep, every nap — on the back, in the cot. Consistency builds habit and reduces risks.
“Won’t my baby choke on their back?”
No. Healthy babies naturally clear fluids when sleeping on their back. Sleeping on the tummy actually increases the risk of airway obstruction.
“Can I use a sleep positioner or wedge?”
No. Products that claim to keep babies in a certain position or prevent rolling are not recommended and can pose suffocation hazards.
“When can my baby sleep on their tummy?”
Once a baby can roll independently both ways (usually around 5–6 months), you don’t need to reposition them onto their back. But always start them on their back at the beginning of each sleep.
“What about bassinets and co-sleepers?”
Choose a product that meets Australian standards. If using bedside sleepers, ensure they attach securely and cannot create gaps where the baby could become trapped.
Parents often juggle exhaustion, cultural expectations, and family advice — sometimes conflicting. Here are some practical, balanced approaches:
Grandparent education: Share Red Nose guidelines with relatives, many of whom raised children during eras with different advice. Gentle conversations can prevent unsafe habits (like putting babies on their tummy to sleep).
Travel solutions: Portable cots must meet safety standards too. Avoid letting babies sleep in prams, car seats, or swings for long periods.
Twins and multiples: Each baby should have their own sleep space. While co-bedding twins is sometimes practised, the safest option is separate cots.
Breastfeeding and bonding: Safe sleep doesn’t mean less closeness. Room-sharing supports breastfeeding and strengthens connection.
Children learn patterns from their environment. When families model safe sleep consistently, it sets a precedent that lasts. For example:
Older siblings can be taught the mantra: “Back to sleep, face up, face clear.”
Parents can normalise showing visitors the safe cot setup, reinforcing pride in the routine.
Childcare centres can align practices with the same standards, ensuring consistency across home and care.
Safe sleep doesn’t stop at 12 months. As children grow, new considerations emerge:
Toddlers: Transitioning to a bed should only happen once they can climb safely (around 2–3 years).
Bunk beds: The top bunk is unsafe for children under 9 years due to falls risk.
Pillows and blankets: These can be introduced after 12 months, but many families prefer sleeping bags well into toddlerhood for warmth and safety.
The newborn phase can feel overwhelming, with advice coming from every direction. But the heart of safe sleep is simple: back, face clear, own safe space. Parents don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive equipment. In fact, sticking to the basics is not only safer, it’s usually easier.
Many families find reassurance in visible reminders — a safe sleep poster in the nursery, a Red Nose app on their phone, or even a checklist on the fridge. These small prompts reduce the mental load when you’re tired and second-guessing yourself at 2 am.
Back to sleep, every sleep.
Head and face uncovered.
Safe cot, safe mattress, no soft toys or bumpers.
Room-share, don’t bedshare (for the first year).
Smoke-free environment.
Safe cots and standards-compliant equipment.
Every parent wants to give their baby the safest, happiest start. Safe sleep practices are not about fear — they’re about empowerment. With just a handful of clear steps, you can dramatically reduce risks and rest easier knowing your baby is sleeping as safely as possible.
As Red Nose says: “Sleep baby safely, every sleep, every day and night.” It’s advice that’s simple, powerful, and life-saving.
Read more here: https://rednose.org.au/section/safe-sleeping