Safe sleeping

safe; sleep; sleeping; SIDS; sudden; infant; death; syndrome; unexpected; cot; infancy;

Babies and young children spend a lot of time sleeping.

Some sleeping arrangements are not safe. They can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cause serious sleeping accidents.

How to reduce the risks

• Put baby down on the back to sleep from birth. 
• Sleep baby with head and face uncovered. 
• Avoid exposing babies to cigarette smoke before birth and after.
• Sleep baby in a safe cot and in a safe environment.
• Sleep baby in its own cot or bassinette in the same room as the parents for the first 6 - 12 months.

For more information have a look at the Child and Youth Health topics

• Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (including SIDS)
• Safe sleep for babies and toddlers

Reference

SIDS and Kids

• Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy 'Questions and answers' 
  http://www.sidsandkids.org/faq/ 

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see your doctor or midwife.