Up to 60 babies die from Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (or ‘SUDI’) in New Zealand each year. This includes both explained and unexplained deaths. Common causes include suffocation by bedding or by an adult or child who is sleeping with the baby.
To protect your baby:
- Make sure they sleep face up and face clear (click here for more http://www.changeforourchildren.co.nz/files/docs/safe%20sleep%20cot%20card.pdf)
- Make sure bedding and pillows are kept away from your baby’s face as they sleep. No pillows are to be used until your baby is over 2 years old.
- Make sure there are no gaps between the cot and their mattress
- Don’t smoke - and make sure others don’t smoke around baby
Do not sleep in the same bed as your baby. Keep them in a cot, bassinette, wahakura or pepipod and sleep in the same room. Your midwife will check where your baby will sleep and give you advice when they visit.
For more information see the Ministry of Health website
Whakawhetu Mokopuna Ora click here http://www.whakawhetu.co.nz/ and TAHA click here http://www.taha.org.nz/
Hutt Maternity Safe Sleep Policy – click here to read the policy
