Safe sleep position: baby on back
Always put your baby on their back to sleep. This reduces the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) including SIDS and fatal sleep accidents.
Don’t put your baby on their tummy to sleep. Babies who sleep on their tummies are at greater risk of SUDI.
Don’t put your baby on their side to sleep. Babies who sleep on their sides are at greater risk of SUDI.
Safe sleep surface, location and space
A safe sleep surface is firm, flat and level. The safest sleep surface is a safe mattress in a safe cot or portacot or cot alternative. Put baby’s feet at the cot bottom. Use only lightweight coverings, tucked in securely at chest level. Or use a safe infant sleeping bag or suit.
The safest sleep location is in a room with you for the first 6-12 months.
A safe sleep space is clear, not too hot and smoke free.
Don’t use quilts, doonas, lamb’s wool, pillows, soft toys or bumpers. Make sure there’s nothing that could cover your baby’s head or face.
Reducing SUDI risk: breastfeed, avoid overheating, don’t smoke
If you can, breastfeed your baby or feed your baby with expressed breastmilk for the first 6-12 months. Breastfeeding reduces SUDI risk.
Dress your baby to be neither too hot nor too cold. Overheating is a SUDI risk.
Don’t overdress your baby. Don’t use beanies or hats.
Don’t smoke or vape during pregnancy or around your baby. Smoke from cigarettes or vapes containing nicotine significantly increases SUDI risk. If it’s hard to quit smoking or vaping, call Quitline on 137 848.
Simplified Chinese (PDF: 270kb)
This picture guide has been reviewed for quality and currency by qualified experts, including maternal and child health nurses, MCH Line, Department of Health, Victoria. Scientific Advisory Board review was provided by Dr Bronwyn Gould.
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