Over the past 25 years we have seen a dramatic decline of deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
However, Kidsafe Tasmania recognises that parents continue to have concerns around safe sleeping practices.
Providing a safe sleeping environment for infants can prevent death. There are positive steps that can be taken to make sleeping environments safer for infants.
Here are some practical tips:
1. Sleep baby on their back from birth – never on the tummy or side
2. Sleep baby with their head and face uncovered
- When using bedding, put baby’s feet at the end of the cot then only bring bedding up to the chest.
- When using a sleeping bag, make sure it is the right size for your baby and the right thermal rating (TOG) for the season.
3. Avoid exposing baby to tobacco smoke before and after birth
4. Sleep baby in their own cot or basinette in the same room as you for the first 6 – 12 months.
5. Provide a safe sleeping environment for baby night and day. A firm mattress and no soft items in the cot.
- Don’t let babies sleep on couches, bean bags, pillows or even baby capsules placed on the floor.
- Keep the cot or basinette away from curtain/blind cords – young children have been strangled by dangling curtain and blind cords.
6. Breastfeed your baby if you can
For more information on providing a safe sleeping environment for your newborn, the Rednose website link is shown below.
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