Tips for Safe Sleep

There is so much information out there for new parents isn’t there – especially when it comes to sleeping arrangements for a new baby.

As a doula, I find it is always a topic of conversations with my clients so I have created an easy to read blog with information from a well-respected and evidenced based source – Red Nose Australia.

They have been a trusted resource for more than 40 years on the practice of “Safe Sleep” and work with leading researchers in stillbirth, maternal health, and SIDS.

It can be confusing on who to listen to, especially when well-meaning family and friends weigh in with their (often outdated) opinions.

But these are the current evidenced based recommendations for baby.

• Always place baby on back for sleep, not on their tummy or side.
• Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered.
• Keep your baby smoke-free before and after birth.
• Have a safe sleeping environment night and day. Make sure the mattress is firm, clean and flat. Do not put soft bedding, toys or pillows or bumpers in the cot.
• Sleep your baby in your room for the first 6 months.
• Breastfeed your baby if possible.

If you chose to co-sleep with your baby there are some added considerations.

• Move the bed away from the wall, so baby can’t get trapped between the bed and wall.
• Make sure your baby can’t fall out of bed. Consider sleeping on your mattress on the floor if it’s possible your baby might roll off the bed.
• Create a clear space for your baby and place your baby on their back to the side of one parent away from the edge, never in the middle of two adults or next to other children or pets as this can increase the risk of overheating and suffocation.

You should never co-sleep or lie down holding baby if:

• You are overly tired or unwell.
• You or your partner have recently consumed alcohol.
• You or your partner smoke, even if you don’t smoke in the bedroom.
• You or your partner have taken any drugs that make you feel sleepy or less aware.
• Your baby was premature or small for their gestational age.

Falling asleep holding baby on a couch or chair is always unsafe – move yourself and baby to a safe sleep environment if you think you might fall asleep.

This blog has been created from information on the Red Nose Australia website for educational purposes. For more information on safe sleeping for babies visit their website.