Safe Sleeping Tips

At present, we do not know what causes SIDS or how to prevent SIDS. However, the following factors may reduce the risk of SIDS.

Five Recommendations for sleeping baby safely:

1. Put baby on the back to sleep, from birth.

   Sleeping on the back reduces the risk of SIDS. Tummy or side sleeping increases the risk of SIDS. Healthy babies placed to sleep on the back are less likely to choke on vomit than tummy sleeping infants.

2. Sleep baby with face uncovered.

   Keeping a baby's face and head uncovered during sleep decreases the risk of SIDS. It is important that a baby does not get too hot while sleeping. Many babies who have died from SIDS were found with their heads and faces covered by bedding, which probably caused overheating and an increase in their arousal threshold. Sleeping on the tummy, too much clothing, heavy bedding, or a room that is too warm may also lead to overheating. Re-breathing by baby of expired air when the face or head is covered or obstructed may also contribute to SIDS.

3. Cigarette smoke is bad for babies.

   Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of SIDS, particularly if the mother smokes during the second or third trimester of her pregnancy. It is important that babies be kept in a smoke-free environment during pregnancy and after birth.

4. Sleep baby in a safe cot and in a safe environment.

   Cots, mattresses and environments that are unsafe increase the risk of sudden unexpected infant death. For information about safe cots, mattresses and environments see FAQs.

5. Sleeping baby in a cot next to the parent's bed for the first 6 - 12 months.

   Research in New Zealand and the UK has shown that sleeping baby in the same room, but not in the same bed, with the parents in the first six to twelve months of life is protective. This is thought to be because parents can see the baby and easily check to see that baby is safe. This protective effect does not work if the baby is in the room with other children probably because the children do not know if the baby is safe or not. Recent evidence from the UK indicates that sharing the same room during baby's daytime sleeps is also protective.

It is important to remember that these are risk factors and not causes.

Rollover for more information, or download the brochure

Rollover for more information or download the brochure