Sadly 81 babies died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Australia in 2010 and, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Queensland had the highest rate, numbering 35. The good news is that risk reduction measures have worked! They saw death rates fall by 80% between 1989 and 2010, following the introduction and promotion of the SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping campaign.
Risk reduction:
The following suggestions will help to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents:
Cot Safety:
The ACCC recommend the following:
Dummy use:
There are health advantages and disadvantages for using dummies/pacifiers. The evidence about dummy use to reduce the risk of SIDS is inconclusive at this time. Until there is more conclusive evidence about dummies being protective for SIDS, SIDS and Kids makes no recommendation about dummy use.
Co-sleeping:
Sharing a sleep surface with a baby is a complex issue that encompasses many factors and there is currently insufficient evidence to issue a blanket statement either for or against this practice. Several studies have demonstrated that babies who sleep in close proximity to their mothers have better outcomes relating to successful initiation and duration of breastfeeding. However, there is evidence that sharing a sleep surface with a baby increases the risk of sudden infant death and fatal sleeping accidents in some circumstances.
Co-sleeping risk factors:
Sharing a sleep surface with a baby must be strictly AVOIDED in the following circumstances:
Red Nose:
For further details refer to Red Nose (previously known as SIDS and Kids):
https://rednose.com.au/section/safe-sleeping
0411 603 401