Safe sleep practices for newborns

Creating the right sleep environment helps keep your baby safe. There are simple steps you can take to lower your baby’s risk of Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) or other sleep accidents. 

Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)  

Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) is the term used for the sudden or unexpected death of a baby or infant in which the cause is not fully known. There are two main categories of SUDI which occur in babies under 12 months of age, including:    

  • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): no known cause of death whilst sleeping. The main cause of Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).
  • Fatal sleeping accident: death is attributed to the child suffocating, being strangled or trapped whilst sleeping. 

How common is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

In Australia, SIDS accounts for approximately 3 deaths for every 10 000 births. 

Your baby’s sleep environment is one of the most important things to help keep them safe and reduce the risk of SIDS. 

Steps to create a safe sleep environment 

On their back to sleep, on their tummy to play

Sleep 

Your baby should always be placed on their back to sleep. This helps keep their airways clear and allows their protective reflexes to work.  This should be done from birth, and for all periods of sleep, both day and night. 

You can wrap or swaddle your baby in a lightweight blanket or cloth when sleeping. This helps them feel calm and secure. It can make it easier for babies to settle and stay asleep by reducing the chances they’ll wake from sudden movements. 

You can wrap your baby from birth until they start showing signs of rolling onto their tummy. This is usually around three to four months of age but can vary for each baby. Once your baby can roll, they should no longer be swaddled. Instead, place them in a safe sleeping bag that allows their arms to move freely. 

See Swaddling newborns for more information. 

Play 

Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s growth and development. During playtime, place your baby on their tummy for a few minutes at a time while you watch them closely. This should be done several times a day, and helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles. This prepares them for future milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling. 

See Movement recommendations for babies (0-12 months) for more information on tummy time. 

Set up a safe sleep environment

A safe sleep space helps keep your baby’s airways open and lowers the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). 

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own cot or bassinet, on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Babies don’t need toys, blankets, pillows, or decorations in their sleep space. 

Avoid leaving your baby unattended on soft surfaces like adult beds, couches, cushions, or beanbags. These can increase the risk of suffocation. Co-sleeping is not recommended, as it can make safe sleep practices harder to follow. 

Keep blinds, curtains, and heaters well away from the cot to reduce any risk of overheating or accidents. 

Keep baby’s head and face uncovered during sleep

Your baby does not need the following during sleep:  

  • beanies
  • hoods
  • headbands
  • other head coverings  

Newborns release heat through their head and face, which helps them regulate their body temperature. Keeping these areas uncovered while they sleep allows them to stay comfortable and reduces the risk of overheating. 

Keep the house a smoke free zone 

Smoking cigarettes or vapes during pregnancy and after your baby is born increases the risk of SIDS. Never smoke around the baby, especially where they sleep. 

If you want to quit smoking or vaping and you’re finding it hard, you’re not alone. Call NSW Quitline on 13 7848 (13 QUIT) for free, confidential support to help you quit. 

Room share in the first 6 months

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own space/cot in your bedroom for the first 6 months. 

Room sharing can help you: 

  • respond and comfort your baby
  • help with feeding
  • assist with settling
  • give you oversight and peace of mind.    

 Co-sleeping is not recommended, as it increases the risk of SUDI. After 6 months, it’s your family's choice whether your baby stays in your room or moves into their own room. There is no right or wrong answer. It depends on your baby's development and your preferred sleeping arrangements.  

Risk factors for SUDI

As well as making changes to your baby’s sleep environment, it’s important to be aware of other factors linked to SUDI: 

  • are under 12 months old
  • arrive early (premature)
  • have a low birth weight
  • have underlying health conditions
  • are exposed to smoke in the home environment