Guidance
Safe sleeping
We support whānau or family and caregivers to address any risk factors for Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). For pēpi in care, we support caregivers to follow the policies about safe sleep and smoke free, and help them address any concerns.Upcoming changes for this guidance
Risk factors for SUDI
When completing an assessment with a whānau or family or caregiver, we support them to address any SUDI risk factors. Pēpi are more vulnerable to SUDI when they:
- are born before 36 weeks
- have a low birth weight (under 2500 grams or 5.5 pounds)
- co-sleep with adults or tamariki
- are not breastfed
- are born to a mother who smoked during pregnancy
- are born to a young mother
- were exposed to drug or alcohol use during pregnancy
- are born to a mother who received late or no prenatal care
- have health issues
- are placed in unsafe sleeping situations (for example, an unsafe position, loose covers or soft bedding).
Keeping pēpi safe during sleep
We talk with whānau or family and caregivers about the importance of pēpi:
- having their own bed
- sleeping on their back with their face up
- sleeping with their face clear.
Own bed
Ideally, pēpi should sleep in the same room as their parents or caregivers for their first 6 months, but in their own bassinet, cot or other baby bed – like a wahakura and pēpi-pod®. (A wahakura or pēpi-pod® can also reduce the risk of suffocation if it’s used when pēpi is sharing a bed with adults or other tamariki.)
For tamariki in care, we ensure they have safe sleep equipment and where necessary a pēpi-pod®.
Pepi-Pod® sleep space programme
A safe bed for pēpi has:
- a firm and flat mattress to keep their airways open
- no gaps between the bed frame and the mattress that could trap or wedge pēpi
- cot bars that are around 50mm apart (the gap should be no more than 95mm).
Pēpi should also have their feet close to the end of the bed so they can’t burrow under the blankets.
Pēpi should be put back in their own bed after feeding.
Face up
Pēpi are designed to sleep face up (on their back). This will keep their airways clear.
A built-in alarm reminds them to breathe, and strong gag and swallow reflexes protect their airway if they vomit.
A doctor may recommend a different sleep position for pēpi with special needs.
Face clear
Keeping their face clear helps pēpi breathe freely and not get too hot.
Other ways to help protect pēpi from SUDI
We encourage homes and cars to be smoke free. All smoking harms pēpi (including during pregnancy). Smoking takes oxygen and weakens vital systems as pēpi develop. When born, these pēpi need extra protection.
We remind whānau or family and caregivers about:
- handling pēpi gently to protect their brain
- having someone look after pēpi who is alert to their needs and free from alcohol or drugs.