Safe Sleep

Keeping our babies safe while they sleep is so important. Fortunately, we have strong research to guide us on how to reduce risk factors and create safer sleep environments. Let’s look at the key recommendations: 

  • Keep your baby in the same room as a caregiver for all sleep - both naps and nights - until at least 6 months of age. 
  • Always place your baby on their back to sleep. 
  • Use a clear, flat, and firm sleep surface free from extra blankets, toys, amber beads or teething necklaces, pillows, bumper pads, or other items. 
  • Ensure your baby is smoke-free both before and after birth. This includes exposure to second-hand smoke. 
  • Make sure a sober, alert adult is responsible for your baby-free from medications that impair the caregivers capacity, alcohol or recreational drugs. 
  • Avoid overheating your baby. 
  • Breastfeed if possible. 
  • Do not use hats during sleep. 
  • Avoid loose clothing or clothing with strings. 
  • Stop swaddling as soon as there are signs of rolling. 
  • Do not allow animals to share the sleep space with your baby - regardless of where they’re sleeping. 

Safe bedsharing: Being prepared just in case 

If a family chooses - or needs - to bedshare, it’s important to do so as safely as possible. Research shows that safe bedsharing is significantly safer than sleeping upright with a baby on your chest on a couch. Because of this, it’s worth being informed about safe bedsharing practices, even if you don’t plan to bedshare. 

Why? Because real life happens. Sometimes, at 2 a.m., exhaustion takes over - and having a safe sleep setup ready can make all the difference. A little preparation now means a safer, more restful experience if you ever need it. You’re not alone in figuring this out. Learning how to create a safe sleep space is a smart and proactive step for any parent. 

The Safe Seven for bedsharing are: 

A non-smoking, sober parent who is breastfeeding a full-term, healthy baby who weighed over 2.5 kg at birth, on a firm surface that is lightly dressed, with baby sleeping on their back when not feeding. 

Other safety notes 

  • Keep the wall above your baby’s sleep area clear of any hanging objects to prevent injury. 
  • Ensure heavy furniture is secured and earthquake-proofed so it can’t fall into the sleep space. 
  • Always bedshare in the cuddle curl position. 

TICKS guidelines: Keeping a baby safe in a carrier (especially while sleeping) 

How we position a baby in a carrier is important. If a baby isn’t adequately supported, their airways can be put at risk—especially when they fall asleep. It’s our job to keep them safe, and one of the best ways to do that is by following the TICKS guidelines.

T – Tight 

The carrier should be snug and secure. This ensures the baby cannot slump down, which could compromise their airways. 

I – In view at all times 

You should always be able to see your baby's face. This helps ensure their airways are free and unobstructed. 

C – Close enough to kiss 

Your baby's head should be close enough to your chin that you can kiss them easily. This keeps them within your line of sight. 

K – Keep chin off chest 

Your baby’s chin should never be resting on their chest. This prevents airway restriction and supports safe breathing. 

S – Supported back 

Your baby's back should be supported in a natural position (a C-shape for newborns). This promotes comfort and helps maintain clear airways. 

Additional considerations when baby falls asleep in the carrier: 

  • Make sure they don’t overheat. Check their temperature regularly with your hand on their chest, back, or neck. 
  • Ensure their hips are in an M position: with knees higher than their bottom and legs supported. This protects their hip development and keeps them comfortable while sleeping. 

Sleep in car seats 

Car seats aren’t designed for sleep. If your baby falls asleep while driving, that’s okay, but avoid using the car seat for regular sleep when not in the car. 

Important: Never loosen the straps while your baby sleeps in the car seat, as this can cause them to slump and block their airway. 

Tummy time 

Babies need time in all positions to help them develop. Back is best for sleep. Other positions, such as side lying and time spend on their tummy is important when a baby is awake. These different positions help babies: 

  • develop head control so they have the strength to keep their face and head clear of obstacles 
  • develop upper body strength to prepare them for rolling, crawling and walking 
  • use gravity to spread pressure evenly and keep a rounded head shape