Safe sleeping

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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 infant deaths due to SIDS:

• 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 because as a community we have been discovering and adopting safe sleeping practices for our babies.

Here are some practical things that you can do to avoid these four risk factors and minimise the risk of SIDS.

From day one, put baby to bed on his back (not on tummy or side)

Sleeping on his back is the safest position for your baby. Babies are more likely to die of SIDS if they sleep on their side or stomach. By the time your baby can roll onto his tummy at around six months, most of the risk of SIDS will have passed.

Make sure your baby’s head cannot get covered up while he is asleep

Put your baby low down in the cot, so his feet are near the bottom end. Tuck in the bedclothes securely around him so they can’t cover his 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 (see Dressing baby for bed).

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 or speak to your doctor or maternal and child health nurse.

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.

Use a cot that meets Australian 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.

Use a firm and well-fitting mattress

Make sure there are no gaps between the mattress and the edge of the cot where baby can jam his head.

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, or any situation where your baby may be in danger, such as getting wedged between a mattress and a wall, getting stuck between pillows or cushions, or slipping down until his head is covered by blankets. For more tips read about avoiding suffocation.

Dress baby so he 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. Keeping your baby’s head uncovered indoors allows a baby to cool and not overheat. See more on dressing baby for bed.

Make sure that your child's carers know how to protect him from 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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