How to reduce the risk of SIDS?
How to reduce the risk of SIDS?
There are many things a parent can do to reduce the risk of SIDS.
One of them is placing your baby to sleep on a firm surface that complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 8811.1 for infant mattress firmness. Have you heard of this safety test?
are firmly filled and independently tested by CHOICE to comply with the voluntary Australian Standard AS/NZS 8811.1 for infant mattress firmness.
Caregivers are usually advised to place babies on a firm surface to minimise the risk of suffocation. A firm cot mattress, along with a safe sleep environment, can help lower the risk of SIDS and sudden unexpected infant death. It is also important to use a fitted sheet that fits the mattress properly and to avoid soft bedding, pillows, toys, and loose blankets in the cot.
According to the developer of the test, Dr Somers, “A baby sleeping on a surface that is too soft has more than 5 times the chance of dying from sudden death than one sleeping on a surface tested to this Australian standard.”
To further reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, parents are often encouraged to place babies on their back for every sleep, keep the baby’s sleep space smoke-free, and avoid cigarette smoke during pregnancy and after birth. Feeding your baby, including breastfeeding where possible, can also support SIDS risk reduction. A sleep sack can be a safer alternative to loose bedding when extra warmth is needed.
Did you know you can legally buy a cot mattress that doesn't meet product safety standards? Just because it's on retail shelves doesn't necessarily mean it's safe! Make sure your friends know to ask retailers about mattresses that comply and, more importantly, have been independently tested by a credible agency.
When choosing baby bedding, many Australian parents also look for non-toxic, breathable materials such as certified organic cotton, coconut coir, natural latex, and Australian wool. These materials can support a comfortable, temperature-regulating sleep surface while meeting the needs of families seeking safer baby products.
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