We know you might have questions, and we’re here to help! Our FAQ section is packed with answers to some of the most common questions parents and carers have about safe sleep, safer pregnancy, and child health. Take a look through, and if you don’t find what you need, we’re always just a message away!
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The information provided on the Red Nose website has been developed and reviewed by experts in pregnancy and infant and child health. The content is regularly reviewed by our Midwives, Safe Sleep Educators and by members of our National Scientific Advisory Group to ensure the advice is up-to-date with the latest evidence-based information.
Most babies start rolling around 4-5 months, and some may prefer to sleep on their side or tummy. However, it’s important to always place your baby on their back to sleep. Once your little one starts rolling, it’s time to transition from a bassinet to a cot, stop wrapping, and increase tummy time when they’re awake. Once they can roll confidently on their own, they can sleep in their preferred position, but always make sure to place them on their back initially.
Have a look at Red Nose information on rolling
The general recommendation is that babies and toddlers should not stay in a car seat or capsule for long periods, especially if they’re sleeping.
Once the car journey is over, it’s really important to take your baby out of the car seat or capsule, even if it means waking them up. Spending too much time in these seats is not safe for your baby.
Research shows that:
Staying in a sitting position for too long can increase the risk of sudden infant death.
Car seats can cause your baby’s neck to bend forward, which may block their airway and affect their breathing.
For more information, check out our guidelines on car seat safety here.
The safe sleep advice for twins is similar to that for single babies. However, if you’re considering co-bedding (sleeping twins in the same cot), there are some important safety guidelines to follow.
It’s important to avoid co-bedding, as it can be risky if one twin’s body accidentally covers the other’s face, which could interfere with their breathing. This is particularly a concern when twins are sleeping side-by-side.
For more details, you can check out our guidelines on sleeping twins in the same cot here.
Babies regulate their body temperature through their head and face, so it’s important to keep their head and face uncovered while they sleep. If you’re unsure whether your baby is too hot or too cold, you can check by feeling their back or tummy, which should feel comfortably warm. If needed, you can add or remove a layer of clothing or bedding, but always make sure their head and face stay uncovered.
There isn’t a specific room temperature that’s recommended for safe sleep, as no evidence suggests it prevents sudden infant death. Instead, focus on dressing your baby appropriately for the room temperature, as you would dress yourself—comfortably warm, not too hot or cold. A great way to check is by feeling your baby’s back or tummy, which should feel warm, but don’t worry if their hands and feet feel a bit cool; that’s normal.
For more detailed tips on safe dressing and bedding, check out our guidelines here.
While Red Nose doesn’t provide advice on specific products, we do have general guidelines for covering prams. It’s important to be cautious with any covering, as it can reduce airflow, increase the temperature inside the pram, and make it harder to see your baby. These factors can impact your baby’s safety, so it’s essential to ensure good air circulation and visibility when using any cover.
For safe sun protection, consider using a sunhat for your baby or a breathable, mesh shade that allows air to flow freely. You can find more information on pram covering and its potential risks in this article here.
You may also find the following resources useful for more tips: CPR Kids – Pram Temperature Test Results and CPR Kids – The Dangerous Pram Mistake.
Red Nose does not promote the use of baby monitors as part of our health campaign to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), which includes SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents. There is no scientific evidence to show that using a monitor reduces the risk of SUDI.
However, we understand that many parents find monitors helpful for peace of mind. It’s important to remember that monitors should never be used as a substitute for safe sleeping practices. Always follow the safe sleep guidelines, regardless of whether you’re using a monitor.
Most monitors available in baby stores may not meet the same standards as those developed for medical use.
While audio-visual monitors and movement monitors are popular, many parents find that false alarms can be disruptive. If you choose to use a monitor, it’s important to complete an infant resuscitation course, so you’re prepared in case of an emergency.
For more information, you can read about baby monitors and their use here.
It’s normal for babies to have irregular sleep patterns, especially in the first few months. However, if you’re concerned, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor or health professional. They can help rule out any underlying issues and offer guidance on creating healthy sleep routines. In the meantime, always follow safe sleep practices, like placing your baby on their back to sleep and creating a calm, safe sleep environment.
Red Nose recommends that a bassinet mattress should be firm, flat, and well-fitting, as these features are crucial for safe sleep. Adding a custom foam layer is not advised, as it may affect the mattress’s firmness, which is important for preventing suffocation risks. A mattress should not be elevated or modified in any way.
Current guidelines suggest that the mattress should be no thicker than 7.5cm. Additionally, the sides of the bassinet should be at least 30cm high (or 25cm high when the new mandatory standards take effect in January 2026). This ensures your baby is safe and secure while sleeping.
For more information, you can review Red Nose’s recommendations and the upcoming mandatory safety standards on Product Safety Australia’s website.
It’s common for babies to wriggle and move around in their bassinet, often ending up at the sides. The mesh sides are designed to allow airflow, so as long as her face remains uncovered, it’s generally safe. However, if she starts trying to roll onto her side, it’s important to monitor her closely, as this could increase the risk of suffocation.
Continue placing her on her back to sleep, but consider adjusting her swaddle if she seems uncomfortable or restricted—some babies prefer having their arms free. If swaddling is not effective, you might try a sleeping bag with arms out. If you feel she’s more settled in a larger space, you could consider moving her to a cot.
Also, make sure you’re doing tummy time during her awake hours to help her develop strength. It may be helpful to discuss your concerns with your midwife or maternal/child health nurse for additional advice.
Red Nose recommends a firm mattress for toddlers transitioning from a cot to a bed. The mattress should also be placed away from the wall for safety. For more guidance, you can check out the Cot to Bed information here: Red Nose Cot to Bed Guide.
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