Safe Sleeping Habits (SIDS and Kids)

Children and babies spend a lot of time asleep and it is important to make sure your children are sleeping in a position, and in an environment, that will not damage their health and decrease the risk of SIDS.

SIDS

  • SIDS is short for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and used to be called “Cot Death”. It is the sudden or unexpected death of an infant with no known cause. SIDS occurs most often in babies between 4 and 6 months of age but can happen at any age.Doctor’s are still unsure of what causes SIDS.

SIDS and Sleeping

The following are some ways to prevent SIDS when your baby is sleeping

  • Put your baby on his/her back to sleep. Unless your doctor or nurse advises otherwise, sleeping your baby on his/her back will make it less likely that your baby will choke when asleep. As your baby develops they will be able to roll over in their cot. This is fine, but always place your baby in the cot on his/her back, then allow your baby to find his/her own sleeping position.
  • Do not cover your baby’s face when they’re asleep. Ensure your baby’s face and head stay uncovered. Put your baby’s feet at the bottom of the cot so your baby can’t wriggle down under the blankets. Alternatively, you could use a baby-style sleeping bag, with fitted neck and arm holes.
  • Ensure there are no doonas, pillows or cot bumpers in the cot.
  • Do not sleep with the baby in your bed. This may be unsafe if a baby gets caught under bedding, falls out of the bed or an adult who sleeps heavily rolls over onto the baby.

Is your cot safe?

  • All new cots must meet Australian Standards, and there will be a label on the cot to say so when your purchase it. Details on the standards can be found at a Government product safety website Product Safety. If you’re planning on using an older cot, ensure it meets Australian Standards.
  • An example of the Standard is that the cot’s mattress fits the cot correctly. The mattress should be no more than 20 mm from any cot end or side when centred on the mattress base. Ensure that the mattress protector fits the mattress properly.
  • There is a different Standard for portable cots. Any cot that meets these standards will have a label saying so. See the Product Safety website mentioned above for information on the Standard.
  • Do not add any extra padding or mattresses to the portable cot as a baby can get caught between them.

Is the environment safe?

Keep a look-out for possible dangers in the environment your baby sleeps in. Dangers include, but are not limited to:

  • Dangling cords or string (these could get caught around your baby’s neck.)
  • Heating devices or fans. Keep air-conditioning units, heaters, fans etc away from a baby’s cot. Also, don’t use electric blankets, hot water bottles or wheat bags in a cot. Remember that a baby cannot get out of a cot if he/she is too hot and they don’t know how to take off covers.

When is my baby ready for a ‘proper’ bed?

At about two, your child is ok to sleep in an adult bed with guard rails so they cannot fall out.

Our staff are well-trained in the correct way for babies, toddlers and children to sleep. Our Centre’s policies on sleeping are available for family members to read upon request and all our bedding meets Australia Standards. If you have any concerns, or would like further information on safe sleeping practices, please contact our staff.

Resources

SIDS and Kids 1300 308 307