Why Safe Sleep Matters
Sleep-related infant deaths remain a concern, but the vast majority are preventable. Following evidence-based safe sleep guidelines gives your baby the safest possible environment to rest — every single nap and every night.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and paediatric organisations worldwide endorse the same core principle: the ABCs of safe sleep.
The ABCs of Safe Sleep
- A — Alone: Your baby should sleep alone in their own sleep space, not in an adult bed or on a sofa or armchair.
- B — Back: Always place your baby on their back to sleep — for every sleep, every time, until they're at least 12 months old.
- C — Cot (or Crib): Babies should sleep in a cot, bassinet, or play yard that meets current safety standards — never on a soft surface.
Setting Up a Safe Sleep Space
The Sleep Surface
- Use a firm, flat mattress with a tightly fitted sheet
- The cot or bassinet should meet current safety standards (check for recalls)
- No inclined sleepers or products designed to keep babies at an angle
What Should NOT Be in the Cot
A safe sleep space is a bare sleep space. Remove the following:
- Pillows and cushions
- Loose blankets and quilts
- Bumper pads (even mesh ones are no longer recommended)
- Stuffed animals and soft toys
- Positioners or wedges
Temperature and Clothing
Overheating is a risk factor, so keep the room at a comfortable temperature (around 68–72°F / 20–22°C). Dress your baby in a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of loose bedding — it keeps them warm without the suffocation risk.
Room-Sharing vs. Bed-Sharing
The AAP recommends room-sharing (keeping the baby's cot in your bedroom) for at least the first 6 months, and ideally 12 months. Room-sharing — but not bed-sharing — reduces the risk of SIDS while making night feeds more manageable.
Bed-sharing (sleeping in the same bed) increases the risk of accidental suffocation and is not recommended, particularly for:
- Babies under 4 months
- Premature or low-birth-weight babies
- Situations where parents smoke, have consumed alcohol or sedating medications, or are very fatigued
The Pacifier and Safe Sleep
Offering a dummy/pacifier at sleep time (once breastfeeding is established, usually around 3–4 weeks) has been associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. Don't force it if your baby doesn't want it, and never attach it to a cord or clip that could become a hazard.
Once Your Baby Can Roll
Once your baby can roll from back to front and back again independently (usually around 4–6 months), it's okay to leave them in the position they roll to during sleep. Continue placing them on their back to start, and ensure tummy time when awake and supervised to build the strength needed for rolling safely.
Quick Reference: Safe Sleep Checklist
- ✅ Baby on their back
- ✅ Firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet only
- ✅ Own sleep space (cot/bassinet)
- ✅ Room shared with caregiver for first 6–12 months
- ✅ No loose items in the sleep space
- ✅ Room temperature comfortable and not too warm
- ✅ Smoke-free environment
Safe sleep can feel restrictive at first, especially when you're exhausted and just want everyone to rest. But these small habits form a powerful protective shield for your baby — and peace of mind for you.