Sleep safe

There is nothing as beautiful as a sleeping baby.

But, it is important to know that little ones are sleeping safely, too.

Babies can suffocate, be injured from falls or have their limbs trapped if their sleeping space isn't safe.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your baby as safe as possible while they sleep.

Steps for sleeping safe

Some sleeping products, like cots, have minimum safety or information requirements. Check Australian safety standards and bans for product specific requirements and look for labels that show they comply.
Products may be removed from the market if they are not safe. Check if a product has been recalled in Australia or overseas by visiting the Product Safety Australia website and the OECD GlobalRecalls portal, and consider registering to receive up-to-date recall alerts.
Buying online? Look at photographs and the listing description carefully – they should include warning labels and the age range the product is designed for. If the supplier doesn’t provide this information, don’t buy the product – it’s not worth the risk.
Research the product and supplier. Online ratings and reviews are a great source of information, too.

Follow instructions for safe assembly, use and maintenance, read product warnings and labels, and only use the product for its designed purpose.
Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a flat, firm and clean surface, with their head and face uncovered. Babies can suffocate when surrounded by padding, pillows, bumpers or blankets.
Inclined or curved surfaces like baby ‘nests’, bouncers, rockers, baby loungers and baby swing chairs should not be used while your baby is sleeping, as they can be a suffocation risk. Propping up baby on pillows or beanbags should be avoided for the same reason.
Mattresses should fit snugly within the cot, bassinette or cradle.
Soft toys and sleep aids may look cute and cuddly in your baby’s cot, bassinette or cradle, but they’re unsafe for babies. A boring but safe sleeping environment will help protect them from serious injuries like suffocation, strangulation and choking.
Put your baby down to sleep away from:
- Loose blind or curtain cords, decorative mobiles and heaters, to prevent injuries from strangulations or burns.
- Hanging frames or floating shelves, to prevent injuries from falling furniture.
- Cords from baby monitors, sleep alarms, lamps and nightlights, to avoid potential strangulation.
Regularly check that sleeping environments are still suitable based on your baby’s age.
The Product Safety Australia website also has safety information on use of inclined products.
Visit the Red Nose website for further safe sleeping resources for parents.