Whenever you put your baby down to sleep, day or night, give them a safe place to sleep.
- Always put baby to sleep on their back.
- Baby should sleep in their own cot, in your room, for the first twelve months.
- No soft or puffy bedding and don’t use pillows.
- Make sure baby’s face and head are uncovered.
- Use a firm mattress that fits your baby’s cot.
- The cot should meet Australian Standards.
- Give baby a smoke-free environment before and after the birth.
- Never put your baby to sleep in your bed. The risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or a sleeping accident is much higher when your baby has been exposed to drugs or smoking during pregnancy.
- Breastfeed if you can
- If you plan to use drugs and alcohol always make sure there is an adult, who is not affected by alcohol or drugs, available to care for your baby.
- Make sure that others caring for your baby know how to provide your baby with a safe environment.
- For information and support, talk to your midwife, health worker or doctor.
Related information
Disclaimer
The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.