Safe sleeping: nine tips

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SIDS risk factors

Investigations into the deaths of children from SIDS, both in Australia and overseas, have consistently shown that one or more of the following risk factors are associated with almost all SIDS-related infant deaths:

• tummy and side sleeping
• soft sleeping surfaces (sofa, soft mattress, pillow, waterbed, lamb’s wool)
• face and head covered by bedding (can lead to accidental asphyxia, and overheating – a known cause of SIDS) 
• smoking during pregnancy or after birth.

Over the years, SIDS deaths have been decreasing in Australia. This is because we have been discovering and adopting safe sleeping practices for our babies.

Practical steps to avoid SIDS risk factors

1. Put babies to sleep on their backs. This is the safest position. Babies are more likely to die of SIDS if they sleep on their sides or tummies. By the time babies can roll onto their tummies at around six months, most of the risk of SIDS will have passed.
    
2. Make sure babies’ heads can’t get covered while they’re sleeping. Put your baby low down in the cot, so feet are near the bottom end. Tuck in the bedclothes securely so they can’t cover your baby’s head. You could choose to use a baby sleeping bag instead of blankets. Sleeping bags with a fitted neck and arm holes are the safest.
    
3. Avoid smoking. There is strong evidence that exposure to smoke harms babies, and that smoking during pregnancy and after birth increases the risk of SIDS. The link between SIDS and smoking is strong even when parents smoke away from the baby. If you want to quit smoking and you’re not finding it easy, call Quitline 131 848. You could also speak to your doctor or maternal and child health nurse.
    
4. Avoid cot bumpers, soft toys, pillows, doonas and soft sleeping surfaces. These items can suffocate infants. Babies have suffocated when they have rolled into cot bumpers or soft toys. It’s safer to keep these out of the cot.
    
5. Use a cot that meets Australian safety standards. Only well-maintained cots built to strict safety standards are good enough for your baby. Cots that meet the standard will have a clear label (AS 2172). Lead paint, gaps that a young child can get caught in, and sides that are too low and can be climbed over easily are just some of the risks of second-hand cots that do not meet modern standards.
    
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. Avoid baby sleeping on couches or makeshift bedding. Sleeping on a couch, with or without someone else, is very dangerous for babies. Also beware of makeshift bedding, such as mattresses or mats on the floor. Other situations where your baby might be in danger include getting wedged between a mattress and a wall, getting stuck between pillows or cushions, or slipping down until baby’s head is covered by blankets. 
    
8. Dress your baby in clothing that is warm, but not hot. Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. Ask yourself what you would wear to bed and use that as a guide. Keep your baby’s head uncovered indoors – this allows your baby to cool and not overheat. 
    
9. Make sure your baby’s carers know how to protect against sleep accidents. It’s best not to assume that others have knowledge of safe sleeping practices, even professional child carers. Reassure yourself by having a look at the planned sleeping arrangements, and satisfy yourself that your baby will be positioned for sleep correctly.

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