September 24, 2023
MIN READ
Summary
Things you should know:
- Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the side or tummy.
- Sleep baby with head and face uncovered.
- Keep baby smoke free before birth and after birth.
- Provide a safe sleeping environment night and day.
- Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult caregiver for the first six to twelve months.
- Breastfeed baby.
Why safe sleeping is important
- All parents want the best for their baby. Most parents know that some infants die unexpectedly in their sleep and are keen to know how to reduce the risk.
- Since safe sleeping recommendations were introduced in the early 1990’s the incidence of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) has decreased by over 85% with an estimated 10,000 babies lives being saved.
- SUDI refers to abroad category of sudden and unexpected deaths, which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), infections or anatomical or developmental abnormalities not recognised before death, sleep accidents due to unsafe sleep environments, and sudden unexpected deaths revealed to have been the result of non-accidental injuries.