Red Nose
Implementing Safe Sleep Practices for your little one.
As a new parent, sometimes we can find ourselves wishing for a magic solution to help our little ones sleep peacefully. But it’s important to know that while some products are marketed as miracle sleep aids, research tells us they may be placing our baby’s lives at risk.
You may have come across inclined baby products labelled as “baby sleepers,” “rockers,” or “bouncers.” While these products are popular, look cute and many often claim to ease the discomfort of reflux and lull your baby into a peaceful slumber the unsettling truth is that sleeping in these products can pose a serious risk to your baby. When positioned on an incline, your baby’s head may tilt forward, their chin resting on their chest, and their airway may become compressed and obstructed.
In addition to the suffocation hazards caused by head positioning, some inclined products have padded sides that can contribute to further risks. If your baby turns their face into the padding or rolls over in the device, there’s a danger of suffocation or asphyxiation. Soft surfaces may obstruct their airway, leading to suffocation or a build-up of exhaled air around the mouth and nose. This “rebreathing” of carbon dioxide can be fatal. It’s a scary thought for any parent.
So, how can I sleep my baby safely?
Tiffany Fryett is one of the Senior Education Officers at Red Nose Australia. She reminds us that “If you use a bouncer to entertain your little one, ensure you can always see them, that they are within arm’s reach and if your baby looks like they are going to fall asleep, move them to a safe sleep space.”
Red Nose is urging parents to reconsider using inclined baby products altogether. Together with the ACCC, they aim to amplify this crucial message, and educate parents and caregivers about the dangers and provide essential guidance to ensure every baby sleeps in the safest environment possible.
Red Nose strongly advises following the evidence-based six safe sleep recommendations to reduce the risk of sudden infant death – and It’s important to remember that these recommendations are backed by research and have already contributed to an 80% reduction in SIDS cases in Australia since 1989. The impact of safe sleep practices cannot be understated.
The evidence-based six safe sleep recommendations are:
- Always place baby on their back to sleep.
- Keep baby’s face and head uncovered.
- Keep baby smoke-free, before and after birth.
- Have a safe sleeping environment night and day. Ensure you have a mattress that is firm, clean and flat with no loose blankets, soft bedding, toys, pillows, or bumpers.
- Sleep baby in their own safe sleep space in the parent or caregiver’s room for the first 6 months.
- Breastfeed baby, when possible*.
*Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death.
Still unsure or confused?
There is always help available. “If parents need support in creating a safe sleep environment, or advice around following the Red Nose safe sleep recommendations, we encourage them to call our free Red Nose Safe Sleep Advice Line on 1300 998 698 to speak with our sleep educators,” says Tiffany
For more information on Red Nose’s safe sleeping recommendations and creating a secure sleep environment, visit www. rednose.org.au or call the Red Nose Safe Sleep Advice Line on 1300 998 698
