In the 20 years between 1985 and 2005, deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Australia fell by 83%. Research suggests that to a large extent, this was due to parents placing their babies to sleep on their back, rather than on their side or tummy.
Despite this dramatic decrease, the current trend both in Australia and overseas shows an increase in deaths associated with babies in unsafe sleeping environments- these are commonly termed, ‘fatal sleeping accidents’.
Infants are not able to control their own sleeping environment, they are reliant on adults to help keep them safe. For more information on the makeup of a safe sleeping environment, safe wrapping, tummy time and the transition from cot to bed, please view the resources below, including some from Red Nose.
Back to sleep, tummy to play, sit up to watch the world
Resources
Red Nose sleeping brochure (long)
