Safe Sleep Guidelines in Australia: A Plain-English Red Nose Summary

The six Red Nose recommendations

1. Sleep baby on the back from birth, never on the tummy or side.
2. Keep head and face uncovered — no hats indoors, no loose blankets near the face.
3. Smoke-free before and after birth.
4. Safe sleep environment: firm flat mattress, fitted sheet, no soft items.
5. Room-share (not bed-share) for the first 6–12 months.
6. Breastfeed where possible — it's associated with reduced SUDI risk.

Setting up the cot

• Cot meets the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172.
• Firm, flat mattress with a snug-fitting cotton sheet.
• Baby's feet near the foot of the cot ("feet to foot" position).
• Nothing in the cot besides baby — no toys, pillows, doonas, bumpers or sheepskins.
• If using a blanket, tuck it firmly under the mattress no higher than baby's chest.

Temperature in Australian rooms

Aim for 20–22°C — the same comfort range adults like. The bigger principle: dress baby for the room.

• Summer: singlet under a 0.5-tog sleeping bag; ceiling fan on low; sheer blockout curtains to reduce afternoon heat.
• Winter: long-sleeve onesie under a 2.5-tog sleeping bag; heater off overnight if room stays above 18°C.
• Always feel baby's chest (not hands or feet) to check temperature — it should be warm, not sweaty.

Room sharing: the first 6–12 months

Red Nose recommends your baby sleeps in their own safe space (bassinet or cot) in your room for at least the first six months — ideally the first twelve. Room sharing reduces SUDI risk by roughly 50%. When the time comes, our guide on transitioning baby to their own room walks you through it gently.

Bed sharing — the official position

Red Nose advises against intentional bed sharing under 12 months. If you do choose to bed share, follow the "safe sleep seven" risk-reduction principles (smoke-free, sober, firm mattress, no loose bedding, baby on back). Never bed share on a couch, beanbag or armchair — these are the highest-risk environments.

Where sound fits in safely

Soft music and lullabies are safe and helpful when set up well:

• Speaker at least 1 metre from the cot.
• Volume below 50 decibels (about the level of a quiet conversation).
• Never place a phone, speaker or any cord inside the cot.
• Choose calming, lyric-light music — see our guide to the best music for baby sleep.

When to call for help

Tresillian (1300 272 736), Karitane (1300 227 464) and your local child and family health nurse offer free guidance Australia-wide. For full Red Nose materials, visit rednose.org.au.

A safe room is also a calm room

Safe sleep and calm sleep aren't separate goals — they're the same goal. Clear cot, gentle temperature, soft light and a familiar lullaby like a personalised baby lullaby from across the room is the Australian gold standard for a peaceful night.