Safe sleep practices for newborns
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 in every 10,000 births.
Your baby’s sleep environment is one of the most important things you will need to manage to make sure they are safe and reduce the risk of SIDS.
You can create a safe sleep environment by following these recommendations:
On their back to sleep, on their tummy to play
Your baby should be placed on their back when sleeping to ensure their airways are clear and their protective reflexes are able to work. This should be done from the very beginning of having your child and for all periods of sleep, both day and night.
Babies who are rolling should not be swaddled and instead should wear a sleep sack that allows their arms to move.
Babies should be on their tummy during playtime to strengthen their muscles, under close supervision.
Set up a safe sleep environment day and night
Babies should sleep in their own space, with a firm mattress and fitted sheet.
Babies do not need toys, blankets, or decorations to sleep well, and these items can significantly increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
Do not leave babies unattended in an adult bed, on a couch, cushion or beanbag. Make sure there are no objects hanging over or near your baby’s cot, including blinds, curtains or electrical appliances such as heaters.
Co-sleeping in the same bed as an adult is not recommended for SIDS risk.
Keep baby’s head uncovered during sleep
Babies do not need beanies, hoods, headbands, or other coverings on their heads during sleep.
Newborns control much of their heat through their head while sleeping, so keeping their head and face uncovered means they can regulate temperature much better. It also reduces the risk of any extra choking or suffocation hazards.
Keep the house a smoke free zone
Smoking cigarettes or vapes during pregnancy and after your baby is born, or having people in your household who are smoking increases the risk of SIDS. If you or a family member do smoke, never smoke around the baby or inside where the baby might be. You should also consider trying to quit for the health of yourself and your family.
For free help to quit smoking, call Quitline on 13 78 48.
Room share in the first 6 months
Your baby should sleep in their own space or cot, in your room for at least the first 6 months. This will help you respond to their cries faster, help with breastfeeding if relevant, and give you oversight on how they are settling and overall peace of mind.
Co-sleeping in the same bed as an adult is not recommended for SIDS risk.
When your baby gets to 6 months, it is a family choice as to whether they move to a separate room or stay in your space. There is no right or wrong answer and it is dependent on their development and your family’s sleeping arrangements.
Risk factors
Alongside behavioural changes to the sleep environment, these are some other risk factors associated with SIDS:
children under 12 months of age
children with an underlying health issues
children who are premature or born with a low birth weight
children who are exposed to smoke in the home environment.