Following Safe Sleep Guidelines

The Ultimate Guide to Safe Sleep for Babies and Toddlers

As a baby and toddler sleep consultant, one of the most critical aspects I emphasise to parents is the importance of creating a safe sleep environment for their little ones. Ensuring your baby sleeps safely is crucial for their health and well-being. In this blog, we'll cover essential safe sleep guidelines that every parent should follow.

A safe sleep environment reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers. Here are some key components:

Use a Safe Sleeping Bag or Swaddle: Choose a sleep suit or swaddle that fits well and is appropriate for your baby's age and size. It should be snug enough to prevent your baby from slipping inside but not too tight to restrict movement or breathing.

Maintain the Right Room Temperature: The ideal room temperature for a baby's sleep environment is between 18-22 degrees. This helps prevent overheating, which is a known risk factor for SIDS.

Avoid Loose Blankets and Bedding: Loose blankets, pillows, and bedding can pose a suffocation risk. Instead, opt for a fitted sheet over a firm mattress. Avoid using bumper pads, as they can also be hazardous.

No Teddies or Comforters Until 7 Months Old: Soft toys and comforters should be kept out of the cot/bassinet until your baby is at least 7 months old. Before this age, they can pose a suffocation risk.

Use a Cot or Bassinet that Meets Safety Standards: Ensure that your baby's cot or bassinet complies with the Australian standards AS/NZS 2172:2003. This standard ensures that the sleeping furniture is safe, sturdy, and free of hazards.

1. Always Place Baby on Their Back to Sleep: The safest sleep position for a baby is on their back. This reduces the risk of SIDS compared to sleeping on the side or stomach.

2. Keep Baby’s Face and Head Uncovered: Ensure that your baby's face and head remain uncovered during sleep. This helps to prevent overheating and allows for easy breathing.

3. Room Sharing for the First 6 Months: It's recommended that parents keep their baby in the same room, but not in the same bed, for at least the first 6-12 months.

4. Breastfeed if Possible: Breastfeeding has many health benefits, including a lower risk of SIDS. If you can, try to breastfeed your baby, even if it's just for the first few months.

Safe Sleep Environment: Use a safe sleeping bag or swaddle, maintain room temperature between 18-22 degrees, avoid loose blankets and bedding, no teddies or comforters until 7 months old, and ensure the cot or bassinet meets Australian standards.

Best Practices: Always place baby on their back to sleep, keep the face and head uncovered, keep baby in parents' room for the first 6 months, and breastfeed if possible.

Creating a safe sleep environment for your baby is essential for their health and your peace of mind.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of sleep-related issues and ensure your baby has a safe and comfortable place to rest.

For more personalised advice and support on baby and toddler sleep, feel free to reach out to me. Sweet dreams and safe sleep!

With love, 

Mel | The Little Sleeping Baby