Safe Sleeping
- Sleep baby on their back from birth
- Do not place baby to sleep on their tummy or side
- Ensure baby's feet are against the bottom of the bed to reduce the risk of slipping under the bedclothes
- Sleep baby with face and head uncovered (do not place doonas/duvets, pillows, lambs wool, or soft toys inside the moses basket)
- Avoid exposing babies to tobacco smoke both before and after birth
- Provide a safe sleeping environment
- Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping environment next to the parent's bed for the first six to twelve months of life
- If using a baby sleeping bag, ensure fitted neck and armholes for safety
- If wrapping baby, recommended fabrics to use include a muslin or light cotton sheet or wrap. Bunny rugs and blankets are not safe for wrapping baby, as this may cause overheating
- If wrapping/swaddling baby do not wrap higher than the shoulders, baby's face should not be covered. Do not place a wrapped/swaddled baby to sleep on their side or stomach. Place baby to sleep on their back only
- Ensure baby's wrap/swaddle is firm but not too tight. A loose wrap/swaddle may be hazardous as they could cover baby's head and face
- To avoid overheating if wrapping/swaddling – ensure baby is dressed in light clothing. For winter months light grow suit. For warmer months only a singlet and nappy
- Ensure that sheets/blankets are tucked in securely so they are not loose
- Do not place doonas/duvets pillows inside baby's bed
- Keep your baby's bed away from any cords which may be hanging from blinds, curtains and electrical appliances as these may become caught around baby's neck
- Keep heaters and electrical appliances away from baby's bed to avoid the risk of overheating, burns and electrocution
- Do not use electric blankets, hot water bottles, or wheat bags for babies or young children
- Babies are unable to escape from their bed to cool down should they become overheated and they do not know how to remove bedclothes
- A baby that becomes too hot is at a higher risk of SIDS
