Australia’s leading infant-safe-sleep authority, Red Nose, will launch its annual national awareness initiative, Safe Sleep Week 2026, from Monday 9 March to Sunday 15 March, offering families clear, research-backed guidance to help reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).

This year’s theme, “Know the Why. Check the Space. Make it Safe”, empowers families to understand the reasons behind safe sleep practices, recognise risks in their baby’s sleep environment, and feel confident making simple adjustments that can significantly improve safety.

Safe Sleep Week is proudly supported by Bonds and Vtech.

A Clear Safe Sleep Message for Families

Caring for a baby can be overwhelming, especially when information comes from every direction. Safe Sleep Week cuts through the noise with trusted, evidence-based guidance and relatable, real-life scenarios designed to meet families where they are.

Loren Rushton, National Education and Prevention Promotion Manager at Red Nose, said:

“Every baby deserves the safest possible start, and every parent deserves clear, trusted guidance. Safe Sleep Week is about helping families understand the why, so they can confidently create a sleep space that protects their baby’s breathing — because small, informed choices really do save lives.”

What to Expect During Safe Sleep Week 2026

Throughout the week, Red Nose will share:

• Simple, practical safe sleep tips
• Real-life sleep scenarios parents can relate to
• Everyday guidance for parents, carers, grandparents and anyone caring for a baby

The focus is on small, achievable actions that help create a safer sleep space, wherever a baby sleeps.

Rushton added:

“There’s so much advice out there, and it can leave parents second-guessing themselves. Our role is to bring the focus back to what matters most — protecting a baby’s breathing during sleep. When families understand the reason behind the recommendation, they feel more confident putting it into practice.”

In 2026, Red Nose is proud to align the timing of Safe Sleep Week with international partner The Lullaby Trust, helping amplify global awareness around safe sleep.

Who Is Safe Sleep Week For?

Safe Sleep Week is designed for:

• Expectant and new parents
• Grandparents and extended family
• Carers and foster carers
• Health and early childhood professionals

Rushton said:

“You don’t need a picture-perfect nursery — you need a clear, firm, flat sleep space and an understanding of why that matters.”

Safe Sleep Week Events

Research and Education Series – From Discovery to Translation: Novel Approaches in Reducing SUDI in Australia

As part of Safe Sleep Week, Red Nose will host a free webinar bringing together leading researchers and clinicians to explore emerging approaches to reducing SUDI in Australia.

Moderated by Karen Waters, Chair of NSAG, the event will feature expert presentations followed by a live Q&A.

Guest presentations include:

• Melanie Andrews – The University of Western Australia – The Sudden Insights Research Study
• Elodie Huelmo – The University of Newcastle – Evaluating and strengthening safe sleep and SUDI prevention strategies in Australia

This event is open to health professionals, researchers, educators, policymakers, and anyone with an interest in infant safety.

Know the Why. Check the Space. Make it Safe. Parent & Carer Safe Sleep Forum

Free Online Webinar | Safe Sleep Week

Join Red Nose for a Parent & Carer Forum during Safe Sleep Week. 

This FREE online live session provides a supportive space to: 

• Understand why safe sleep matters 
• Talk through real-life sleep situations 
• Ask questions 
• Learn practical tips families can use straight away 

Whether you’re a new parent, caring for a baby again, or supporting someone else with a baby, this forum is for you.

Together, We Can Make Every Sleep Safer

Safe Sleep Week 2026 invites all Australians to learn, reflect, and take action, one small step at a time.

Rushton said:

“We’ve seen what’s possible when families are supported with the right information — Australia has reduced SIDS dramatically over the past decades. But we know there is more we can do. By learning, checking the space, and making simple changes together, we can continue to reduce SUDI and help more babies grow up healthy and safe.”

Download our Safe Sleep a Visual Guide for Parents 

About Red Nose:

Red Nose is Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep, safer pregnancy, and bereavement support for families who experience the devastating death of a baby or child.  Since Red Nose’s Back to Sleep Campaign, SIDS deaths have reduced in Australia by 80 per cent.

For media enquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact

Fiona Jordan – National Marketing and Communications Manager

0402 846 867 or fionajordan@rednose.org.au