Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most important ways to protect your baby during their first year. National guidance from Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora, and Hāpai Te Hauora sets out four simple foundations for keeping pēpi safe during every sleep.
These four foundations work together, and apply to every sleep, day and night, for the whole first year.
Pēpi are safest in their own flat, firm bed with firm sides, like a wahakura, cot, or bassinet, on a firm, flat mattress that meets current safety standards.
Sleep pēpi on their back for every sleep, with nothing near their face like toys, loose blankets, cords, or pillows.
Pēpi is safest and well when they're in an environment that supports breastfeeding and is smoke, vape, alcohol, drug, and harm-free.
Everyone in the whānau helps keep pēpi safe while they sleep, and supports each other to stay well.
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.
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).
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.
Source: Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora, and Hāpai Te Hauora, Foundations for Safe Sleep.
