Child safety
Keep the baby's sleep space clear
Place the baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress; apart from a fitted sheet, keep pillows, quilts, cushions, toys, and cot bumpers out.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-22
Why it matters
Soft items can cover a baby's nose and mouth and increase suffocation risk.
Wrong action
Unsafe: Filling the baby's sleep space with pillows, soft toys, or thick bedding.
Correct action
Place the baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress; apart from a fitted sheet, keep pillows, quilts, cushions, toys, and cot bumpers out.
What to do
- Check the area, equipment, and household arrangement before starting.
- Place the baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress; apart from a fitted sheet, keep pillows, quilts, cushions, toys, and cot bumpers out.
- Stop and tell the employer if the situation is unsafe or unclear.
If something happens
For serious injury, unconsciousness, breathing difficulty, or immediate danger, call 999 and keep yourself safe first.
Sources and review
- Department of Health Family Health Service — Safe Sleep Sweet Dreams
Last reviewed: 2026-08-22
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.
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