SIDS Recommendations: Keeping Your Baby Safe

Every parent wants to do everything possible to keep their baby safe while they sleep, the genuinely good news is that Red Nose Australia's safe sleep recommendations are clear, well-evidenced, and practical to put in place from day one.

Last updated 1st November 2026. Written with Chantal Murphy, IACSC-certified sleep consultant.

What are the six safe sleep recommendations?

Red Nose Australia's six core recommendations are: sleep baby on their back for every sleep, keep their head and face uncovered, keep them smoke free before and after birth, use a safe sleep space, room-share for the first 6 to 12 months, and breastfeed if possible. Each one is backed by evidence linking it to a meaningfully reduced risk of SIDS, and together they form the foundation of safe sleep practice for babies under 12 months.

Why does back sleeping matter so much?

Placing your baby on their back for every single sleep, day naps and overnight keeps their airway in the clearest, most protected position and is associated with the strongest reduction in SIDS risk of any single recommendation. This applies until your baby can independently and reliably roll both ways; our full guide to tummy sleeping safety covers exactly what changes once that milestone is reached.

Why does keeping the head and face uncovered matter?

Babies regulate their body temperature largely through their head and face, so keeping both clear helps prevent overheating and keeps the airway unobstructed. In practice, this means no loose blankets, hats, or hoods anywhere near your baby's face during sleep, and dressing them for the room temperature rather than adding extra layers "just in case."

What does "smoke free before and after birth" actually cover?

This covers both maternal smoking during pregnancy and secondhand smoke exposure after birth, smoke exposure at any point is linked to a higher SIDS risk, and the recommendation is genuinely to keep your baby's whole environment smoke free, not just to avoid smoking directly around them. If you're trying to quit, Quitline (13 78 48) is a free, confidential support service.

Why room-share for the first 6 to 12 months?

Room-sharing your baby in their own safe sleep space in the same room as you for the first 6 to 12 months is associated with a reduced SIDS risk, likely because it makes you more attuned to your baby's breathing, movement, and sounds overnight. This is different from bed-sharing; the recommendation is specifically for baby to have their own separate, safe sleep space within your room.

Does breastfeeding really reduce SIDS risk?

The evidence does show breastfeeding, where possible, is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. This is one recommendation among six, not a requirement, if breastfeeding isn't possible or isn't the right fit for your family, the other five recommendations remain just as protective on their own.

Is any one recommendation more important than the others?

Back sleeping and a genuinely safe sleep space are generally considered to carry the strongest individual evidence, but the recommendations work together rather than as a ranked list following all six gives your baby the most complete protection, and none of them should be treated as optional extras once the "important" ones are covered.

Do these recommendations apply the same way to premature babies?

Yes, and arguably more strongly, premature and low-birth-weight babies are generally considered at higher SIDS risk, so all six recommendations matter at least as much, if not more. Talk to your GP or paediatrician about any additional baby-specific safe sleep guidance for a premature baby.

What if we sometimes co-sleep?

Red Nose doesn't recommend co-sleeping and is clear that a baby's own safe sleep space is the safest option. If it's something your family does, our dedicated guide to co-sleeping: what you need to know covers the specific circumstances to always avoid and the harm-reduction steps to take.

Is it safe to use a secondhand cot or mattress?

A secondhand cot can be safe as long as it still meets the current Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172:2003 and has no missing, damaged, or loose parts, check the model against the standard rather than assuming an older cot is automatically fine. A mattress is a different story: buying new is genuinely worth it, since a mattress needs to be firm, flat, and the right size for that specific cot with no gaps around the edges, and a used mattress may have lost firmness or come with an unclear history.

Does safe sleep still apply when travelling or away from home?

Yes, in full a portable travel cot meeting the same Australian Standard, the same firm flat mattress, and the same back-sleeping, uncovered-face, nothing-soft setup all apply whether your baby is sleeping in their own cot, at a grandparent's house, or in a hotel. It's worth checking any cot provided by family, friends, or accommodation against these same standards before your baby sleeps in it, rather than assuming it's automatically safe.

Common mistakes with safe sleep

The most common mistake is treating the recommendations as a checklist to complete once, rather than a set of practices to maintain for every single sleep, including day naps and sleeps away from home. A second is adding "just one" soft toy or cushion for comfort, when the safest cot genuinely has nothing soft in it. A third is assuming an older baby who's sleeping well no longer needs these practices, the recommendations apply for the whole first year, not just the newborn stage.

Frequently asked questions

Do these recommendations apply to day naps as well as overnight sleep?
Yes, every sleep, day or night, at home or away, follows the same six recommendations.

Can I use a dummy alongside these recommendations?
Yes, a dummy at sleep times is generally considered compatible with safe sleep guidance and isn't in conflict with any of the six recommendations.

What age can I stop following these recommendations?
SIDS risk drops significantly after 12 months, and the recommendations are specifically framed around the first year of life, with room-sharing specified as the first 6 to 12 months.

Is a room thermometer necessary to prevent overheating?
It's not strictly required, but many parents find it a genuinely useful, simple way to check the room is at a comfortable temperature and dress their baby appropriately rather than guessing.

Six recommendations, one clear goal

Red Nose Australia's six safe sleep recommendations are consistent, evidence-based, and genuinely achievable to build into everyday life from birth. If you have questions specific to your baby, your GP, maternal child health nurse, or a consultation with us can help.