Safe sleep

As a health professional working with infants it is important to be aware of the current evidence surrounding safe infant sleep recommendations in Australia. SIDS guidelines must be adhered to at all times within your clinical practice.

For example:

• When you finish your session on a hospital ward, ensure the infant is in a safe position in the cot, with the cot rail up and secure.
• Notify the allocated nurse when you are leaving.
• Do not leave any toys inside the cot or hanging above the cot.
• Provide education to parents regarding safety and recommended positions for play (i.e. tummy time when infant in awake-alert state).
• If the infant requires assistance from positioning devices, this must be negotiated with the child’s medical team and appropriate monitoring put in place.