😴 Sleep · 0 – 12 months
😴 Safe sleep for baby: reducing SIDS risk
A safer sleep setup reduces the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths, but cannot eliminate every risk. Share the same routine with every caregiver: back, flat, firm and clear, in baby's own sleep space.
What you'll need
- A crib, crib or bassinet that meets recognized safety standards and is used within its limits.
- A firm, flat mattress that fits snugly, with a fitted sheet.
- Light sleep clothing or a correctly sized, non-weighted sleep sack suited to the room.
For every sleep
1. Start on the back
Place baby on their back for every nap and night sleep. Once they can roll both ways independently, you do not need to keep turning them back, but always start on the back and keep the space clear.
2. Use a clear, flat surface
No pillows, loose blankets, toys, bumpers, nests, wedges or positioners. Inclined sleepers and hammocks are not substitutes for a firm, flat infant sleep surface.
3. Share the room, not the bed
Keep baby's own sleep space in your room for at least the first 6 months. An adult bed, sofa or armchair is not a safe alternative. Return baby to their sleep space after feeding or cuddling.
4. Avoid overheating
Dress for the actual room conditions, especially in hot or humid weather. Keep the head uncovered indoors and check the chest or back for sweating or excessive warmth. Air-conditioning is not required to achieve a specific temperature.
5. Plan for tired adults
Share settling duties where possible. Do not fall asleep holding baby, including during skin-to-skin. Move a sleeping baby from a carrier, swing or car seat to their sleep surface once practical after travel.
6. Keep air smoke-free
Keep smoking and vaping away from baby, the home and vehicles. Offer tummy time only when baby is awake and actively supervised.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Using side or tummy sleep for reflux Back sleeping remains recommended for most babies with reflux. Ask your pediatric team about any specific medical needs rather than adding an incline.
- ❌ Treating monitoring as protection Consumer monitors do not make an unsafe sleep setup safe or reliably prevent SIDS.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
Same topic
Read next
- Paternity Leave Act
- Maternity leave allocation
- Birth registration
- Family Code
- Emergency services
- Newborn screening
- Infant feeding
When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.