There’s nothing more important than the safety of our little ones…
Safe sleep is important for babies because is significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, and other sleep related accidents. During the first year of life, babies are still developing the ability to regulate their breathing, temperature and movement – so their sleep environment plays a crucial role in keeping them safe.
Here’s why safe sleep matters:
- Protects against SIDS: Placing babies on their back to sleep and following other safe sleep guidelines can drastically lower the risk of sudden unexplained infant death.
- Protects Suffocation and entrapment: A clear, flat and firm sleep urface without pillows, blankets, toys or bumpers helps prevent babies from accidentally covering their airway.
- Supports healthy development: Babies who sleep safely are more likely to sleep longer and more soundly, which is essential for their brain and body development.
- Gives parents peace of mind: Knowing that baby is sleeping in a safe environment helps caregivers feel more confident and rested themselves.
Safe sleep isn’t just about where a baby sleeps – it’s about how, when and what surrounds them. Simple choices can safe lives.
What is a safe sleeping environment?
A safe sleeping environment means removing all potential hazards so your baby can sleep safely. The ideal sleep space is a cot that meets safety standards, with a firm, flat mattress, fitted sheet, and no loose bedding or soft items. This applies for both day and night sleeps to keep your baby safe at all times.
Unsafe sleep environments put babies at serious risk. Never leave your baby unattended on an adult bed, bunk bed, couch, beanbag, waterbed, pillow or cushion. It’s also unsafe for a baby to sleep with an adult or another child on a couch, sofa or chair, as this increases the risk of suffocation.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own safe space, in the same room as their parents or guardians up until the first 6 months of age.
Ensure your baby’s cot is placed well away from any hanging cords such as blinds, curtains or electrical leads as these can become strangulation hazards. Also, keep heaters and electrical appliances away from the cot to prevent risk of overheating, burns or electrocution.
Never use electric blankets, hot water bottles or wheat bags in a baby’s sleep space as this can cause overheating or burns.
Safe Sleeping (0-12 months)
Always place baby on their back to sleep.
Placing your baby on their back to sleep is the safest position. It helps keep their airway clear and allows their natural protective reflexes to function properly. Back sleeping significantly reduces the risk of suffocation, overheating and choking.
Keep baby’s face and head uncovered.
Babies regulate their temperature through their face and their head, so it’s important to keep both uncovered during sleep. This not only helps prevent overheating but also reduces the risk of suffocation.
Keep baby smoke-free, before and after birth.
Smoking (and second hand smoke) during pregnancy and after birth increases the risk is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. If you or anyone you know smokes, don’t let them smoke around baby and never smoke around their sleeping space.
Safe sleeping environment night and day.
The safest space for a baby to sleep is in their own space with a safe mattress and safe bedding. Baby should always be placed on their back, with their feet at the bottom of their cot.
Safe Cot – Meets Australian Standards
Safe Mattress – Firm, flat, right size to suit your safe cot. Meets voluntary Australian standards.
Safe Bedding – Lightweight bedding, only pulled up to chest and firmly tucked in.
Safe Sleeping Bag – Well fitted across the chest and neck with baby’s arms out and no hood.
Disclaimer: The information/advice provided at littlefootsleep.com and during consultations is not medical advice. Reliance on the advice is solely at your own risk. The advice is for informational purposes only and is inttended for use with the common sleep issues that are unrelated to medical conditions. The information provided is not intended nor is implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always take the advice of your GP or paediatrician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the health and welfare of your baby, and before following the advice or using the techniques offered in consultations and at littlefootsleep.com. It is strongly advised to always follow sleep recommendations according to the SIDS campaign. In no event will LITTLEFOOTSLEEP/ Ebony Davenport be liable to you for any claims, losses, injuries or damages as a result of reliance on the information provided
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