Protecting your baby’s airways

Your baby’s airways need to stay open so they can breathe – whether they’re awake or asleep. During your baby’s first year, they’re still developing the strength and reflexes they need to keep their airways open. This means you need to protect your baby’s airways. You can do this by creating a safe environment and positioning your baby so their airways stay open and they can breathe easily. Airways are the parts of the body that take air in and out of the lungs. Airways include the nose, mouth, throat and windpipe. Your baby’s airways need to stay open so your baby can breathe when asleep and when they’re awake. As your baby grows through their first year, they’re still developing the strength and reflexes they need to keep their airways open. You need to take special care to protect their airways so they can breathe easily. And airway risks change as babies get older and start moving, reaching and playing with things around them. There are things you can do to help your baby keep their airways open: Keep your baby’s mouth and nose clear of anything that could cover them. Remove anything that could fall, slip or move onto your baby’s face. Check your baby’s head and neck are straight. If your baby’s chin is on their chest, or their head is tipped too far back or to the side, it can make it harder for them to breathe. Keep an eye on your baby’s position and adjust it when needed. Air needs to flow down your baby’s windpipe. Remove things that might wrap around or press on your baby’s neck. Make sure your baby’s chest and tummy are free to expand. Room to breathe in and out freely … Airways safety matters when your baby is asleep and when they’re awake. Nose and mouth are unblocked and uncovered. Nothing can wrap around the neck. Now you know how to help your baby keep their airways open and breathe easily. For more information, head online to raisingchildren.net.au This article was developed in collaboration with qualified experts, including Professor Jeanine Young AM, Professor of Nursing, University of the Sunshine Coast. Scientific Advisory Board review was provided by Associate Professor Gehan Roberts. Batra, E.K., Midgett, J.D., & Moon, R.Y. (2015). Hazards associated with sitting and carrying devices for children two years and younger. Journal of Pediatrics, 167(1), 183-187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.03.044. Blair, P.S., Mitchell, E.A., Heckstall-Smith, E.M.A., & Fleming, P.J. (2008). Head covering – a major modifiable risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome: A systematic review. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 93(9), 778-783. https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.2007.136366. Blair, P.S., Platt, M.W., Smith, I.J., & Fleming, P.J. (2006). Sudden infant death syndrome and sleeping position in pre-term and low birth weight infants: An opportunity for targeted intervention. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 91(2), 101-106. https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.2004.070391. Gilbert, R., Salanti, G., Harden, M., & See, S. (2005). Infant sleeping position and the sudden infant death syndrome: Systematic review of observational studies and historical review of recommendations from 1940 to 2002. International Journal of Epidemiology, 34(4), 874-887. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyi088. Gosa, M. (2013). Infant airway protection mechanisms during swallowing. Perspectives in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, 22(4), 156-160. https://doi.org/10.1044/sasd22.4.156. Hoffman, B.D., Gallardo, A.R., & Carlson, K.F. (2016). Unsafe from the start: Serious misuse of car safety seats at newborn discharge. Journal of Pediatrics, 171, 48-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.11.047. Hubbs-Tait, L., & Peek, G. (2017). Protecting infants and toddlers from positional asphyxia: Car seats and sling carriers. Oklahoma State University. Retrieved 15 December 2025 from https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/print-publications/t/protecting-infants-and-toddlers-from-positional-asphyxia-car-seats-and-sling-carriers-t-2383.pdf. Moon, R.Y., Carlin, R.F., & Hand, I. (2022). Evidence base for 2022 updated recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment to reduce the risk of sleep related deaths. Pediatrics, 150(10), Article e2022057991. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-057991. Page, M., & Jeffery, H. (1998). Airway protection in sleeping infants in response to pharyngeal fluid stimulation in the supine position. Pediatric Research, 44, 691-698. https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199811000-00011. Paluszynska, D.A., Harris, K.A., & Thach, B.T. (2004). Influence of sleep position experience on ability of prone-sleeping infants to escape from asphyxiating microenvironments by changing head position. Pediatrics, 114, 1634-1639. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2004-0754.