Safe Sleep for Your Pēpi
Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most important ways to protect your baby during their first year.
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Postnatal
The ABCs of safe sleep
Babies should sleep:
- Alone in their own safe sleep space.
- On their Back for every sleep, day and night.
- In a Cot, Bassinet, Wahakura, or Pēpi-Pod® with a firm, flat mattress.
Safe sleep recommendations
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Keep your baby's face and head uncovered.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface that meets current safety standards.
- Keep the sleep space free of pillows, loose blankets, toys, bumpers, positioning devices and sheepskins.
- Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature, to avoid overheating.
- Keep your baby's sleeping area smoke-free before and after birth.
- Share a room with your baby for at least the first six months if possible, but not the same sleep surface.
Never sleep with your baby
On a couch, sofa or armchair; if you or your partner smoke; if you've had alcohol or recreational drugs; if you're taking medication that causes drowsiness; if you're excessively tired or hard to wake; or if your baby was born prematurely or with low birth weight, unless specifically discussed with your healthcare provider.
Wahakura and Pēpi-Pod®
A wahakura or Pēpi-Pod® provides a protected sleep space for your baby and can be used in a variety of settings. We're happy to discuss safe use and availability in your area.
Keeping baby warm
Babies don't need hats indoors once their temperature is stable. As a guide: dress them in one more layer than an adult would wear comfortably, aim for a room temperature of approximately 18–20°C, and check your baby's chest or back to assess their temperature, rather than their hands or feet (which are often cooler).
When to seek help
Contact your midwife, GP, or health provider if your baby has difficulty breathing, appears unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, is feeding poorly, has a fever or seems unwell, or if you have any concerns at all about their wellbeing.
Small steps make a big difference
Safe sleep is about creating an environment where your baby can sleep safely every time. Placing your baby on their back and keeping their sleep space clear are simple habits with real impact.