Safe Sleeping
How to Sleep your Baby Safely:
1. Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the tummy or side
2. Sleep baby with head and face uncovered
3. Keep baby smoke free before birth and after
4. Provide a safe sleeping environment night and day
5. Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult caregiver for the first six to twelve months
6. Breastfeed baby
You can download the following Safe Sleeping resources as a PDF by clicking the images below:
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| Safe Sleeping Long Brochure | Safe Sleeping Easy Read | Safe Sleeping Poster | Tummy Time Brochure |
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| Tummy Time Poster | Safe Wrapping Brochure | Safe Wrapping Poster | Safe Sleeping Door Hanger |
The SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping app is available free of charge.
Click the App Store logo above to download the app through iTunes.
The app includes options for the following languages: English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hindi and Arabic.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources from the Northern Territory
About SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping
SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping is an evidence-based health promotion campaign developed for health professionals, childcare workers, new and expectant mothers, parents and anyone who cares for babies and infants.The campaign has been developed in conjunction with researchers from Australasia and internationally and provides information about the evidence around sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk reduction and fatal sleeping accidents.
Since its inception in the early 1990s, the campaign has reduced the incidence of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy by 80% saving 7500 babies’ lives. Vigilance is still required in delivering our Safe Sleeping message to the broad community as sadly the cause of sudden infant death syndrome remains unknown with more research into the cause still needed.
Alert: Dangers of Using Baby Bean Bags as Bedding
April 2013
The rising popularity of baby bean bags has prompted the Queensland Office of Fair Trading to issue a warning about the potential risks associated with these products.
Office of Fair Trading product safety expert David Strachan said bean bags of any kind should never be used for a baby to sleep or nap in, as this could cause suffocation.
“The polystyrene beads that fill the bean bag can contour around a baby’s face, blocking the airways,” Mr Strachan said.
“Bean bags should only be used under the strictest supervision for babies under 12 months of age. Babies should only be placed to sleep or nap in a cot that meets Australian Standards.”
The warning is also supported by SIDS and Kids’ new information statement ‘Sleeping Position for Babies with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux (GOR)’.
This information statement speaks to the evidence that:
- Babies with GOR should be placed to sleep on their back from birth on a firm, flat mattress that is not elevated.
- Elevating the sleeping surface for back sleeping babies does not reduce gastro oesophageal reflux and is not recommended
View the information statement ‘Sleeping Position for Babies with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux (GOR)’ here.
The Office of Fair Trading’s media statement can be downloaded here.
Co-sleeping and SIDS
The Dangers of Hooded Sleeping Bags
Protecting Children from Tobacco
SIDS and Kids is a member of Protecting Children from Tobacco, a national coalition of organisations that wants effective action to protect children from tobacco smoke and promotion.
For more information on this issue download a fact sheet here or visit the website.
Keeping Baby Safe : a guide to infant and nursery products by the Australian Government
This is an Australian Government publication providing information to help you make sure your child’s nursery is a safe place. It is available from the Australian Competition and Consumer website here in the following formats:
hardcopy booklet
eBook on iTunes
iPhone and iPad app
You can also view the related video on cot safety below.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is a free telephone helpline and online service for pregnant women and new parents who have a baby up to 12 months of age.
Information and advice is provided on topics such as maternal nutrition, breast feeding, a baby’s development and sleeping habits as well as direction to related services including specialist and support services.
Women and their families who are facing other challenges, such as emotional distress, perinatal issues, and questions about pregnancy options, can also call the PBB helpline to be transferred to qualified counsellors. Counsellors are available from 7am to 12pm midnight daily, free of charge, to offer non-judgmental, confidential support.
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 or visit the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.
Baby Slings – ACCC Safety Alert
To download a copy of the Baby Slings Safety Alert click on the link below:
ACCC Safety Alert – Baby Slings.pdf
For more information on Safe Sleeping contact SIDS and Kids in your State or Territory call 1300 308 307.
Interview…
