Safe Sleep Guidelines for Newborns: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Bringing a new baby home is an exciting and emotional time. But for many parents, sleep can also be a major source of stress. With so much conflicting advice out there, it can be hard to know what’s truly safe. That’s why understanding evidence-based safe sleep guidelines is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your newborn’s health and wellbeing.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about creating a safe sleep environment for your baby—from sleeping positions to cot setup, room-sharing recommendations, and more. These simple yet powerful baby sleep tips are based on the latest research and designed to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Why Safe Sleep Matters
Safe sleep practices are essential for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents, such as suffocation or accidental asphyxiation. Each year, hundreds of families are affected by preventable sleep-related infant deaths. By following recommended guidelines, you can significantly lower the risk and give your baby the safest start in life.
1. Always Place Your Baby on Their Back to Sleep
One of the most important and consistent recommendations across all infant sleep safety guidelines is to always place your baby on their back to sleep, for both naps and night-time sleep. This position helps keep their airway clear and reduces the risk of SIDS.
Tip: Once your baby can roll independently from back to front and front to back, they can be allowed to sleep in the position they choose. However, always start sleep on the back.
2. Use a Firm, Flat Sleep Surface
Your baby should sleep on a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet and no loose bedding or soft items. Avoid pillows, doonas, cot bumpers, soft toys, or sleep positioners in the sleep space. These can pose suffocation hazards and increase the risk of overheating.
Safe cot checklist: Check that the cot meets current Australian safety standards (AS/NZS 2172). Portable cots should also meet relevant standards (AS/NZS 2195).
3. Keep the Sleep Space Smoke-Free
Babies exposed to cigarette smoke are at a significantly higher risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby’s sleep environment is always smoke-free, both during pregnancy and after birth. This includes avoiding secondhand smoke in shared spaces, homes, and vehicles.
4. Sleep Baby in Their Own Cot, in Your Room
For the first 6–12 months, it’s recommended that your baby sleeps in their own safe sleep space (like a cot or bassinet) placed in your bedroom. Room-sharing without bed-sharing supports breastfeeding and makes it easier to monitor your baby’s breathing and comfort overnight.
Note: If you choose to co-sleep, follow specific risk-reduction strategies recommended by health authorities, and be aware of the increased risks associated with soft bedding, adult mattresses, and impaired awareness.
5. Dress Your Baby Appropriately
Avoid overheating by dressing your baby in light sleepwear and adjusting layers based on the room temperature. A safe sleep bag with fitted neck and armholes (and no hood) is a good option, as it reduces the need for loose blankets.
Rule of thumb: Dress baby in one more layer than you would wear to bed. Use a room thermometer if you’re unsure about the temperature.
6. Breastfeed If You Can
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. It also supports healthy sleep patterns, immune development, and bonding. Even partial breastfeeding is associated with improved infant sleep safety outcomes.
Tip: If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, seek support from a lactation consultant or child health nurse—help is available.
Bonus Tip: Stay Informed and Trust Evidence-Based Sources
Safe sleep recommendations can evolve as new research becomes available. Stay up to date by using trusted, evidence-based resources like Red Nose Australia, your child health nurse, or paediatrician.
And remember: you’re not alone. Many new parents feel unsure at first, but learning these simple steps can help you feel more confident and empowered.
Did you know? Red Nose Day and Safe Sleep Week are national campaigns that help raise awareness and support families in learning about infant sleep safety.
Want to Learn More?
Our Safe Sleep Course for parents and caregivers takes just 45 minutes and gives you all the practical tools you need to create a safe, nurturing sleep environment at home. It’s self-paced, online, and designed to support you with up-to-date, evidence-based guidance from day one.
Making Education – Delivering high quality early childhood education qualifications, training, professional development and custom bespoke programs. Get in contact with us today to see how we can meet your training needs!
