Bringing your newborn home is a precious and life-changing moment. Among the many questions new parents have, one of the most common is: how can I make sure my baby sleeps safely? Establishing healthy and secure sleep practices right from the start not only keeps your little one safe but also gives you peace of mind.
The Basics of Safe Sleep for Newborns
In Australia, safe sleep guidelines recommend that babies:
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Sleep on their back, not on their tummy or side.
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Sleep in their own cot, bassinet, or co-sleeper bassinet, not in an adult bed.
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Use a firm, flat mattress that meets Australian safety standards.
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Sleep in a space free from pillows, blankets, bumpers, toys, or loose bedding.
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Be placed in the same room as parents or caregivers for at least the first 6–12 months, but not in the same bed.
These practices are designed to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and create a safe environment for your newborn.
What About Co-Sleeping?
Many parents naturally want their baby close at night, especially for comfort and easier feeding. Co-sleeping is often used as an umbrella term, but it can mean two very different things:
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Bed-sharing – when your baby sleeps in the same bed as you. This is not recommended due to safety risks such as overheating, suffocation, or accidental falls.
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Room-sharing with a bassinet newborn – when your baby sleeps in their own bassinet co-sleeper or cot, placed right next to your bed. This is the recommended form of co-sleeping, as it allows you to stay close to your baby while still keeping them in a safe sleep environment.
Choosing a Bedside Bassinet
If you like the idea of having your baby close, a bedside co-sleeper bassinet is the perfect solution. These are specially designed to keep your baby nearby while ensuring they have their own secure sleep space.
Two great options are:
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SnuzPod⁵ – Suitable up to 9kg or until your baby can sit up unaided, this bassinet newborn co-sleeper securely attaches to your bed, so your baby is always within reach.
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SnuzPod Studio – Designed for urban living, this compact and stylish co-sleeper bassinet is suitable up to 6 months or 9kg, providing a safe and cosy sleep environment right beside your bed.
Both options make night-time feeding and soothing easier, while ensuring your newborn is sleeping safely in their own space.
Transitioning From Bassinet to Cot
Your baby will eventually outgrow their bassinet newborn co-sleeper. Signs it’s time to move them include:
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They’ve reached the maximum weight limit or age limit specified by the bassinet manufacturer.
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They can roll over, push up, or sit unaided.
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They seem cramped or unsettled in the smaller space.
At this point, it’s time to transition to a safe baby cot that meets Australian standards, providing your child with more room as they grow.
Final Thoughts
Safe sleep is one of the most important aspects of newborn care. By following the guidelines and choosing the right sleep setup—such as a co-sleeper bassinet like the SnuzPod⁵ or SnuzPod Studio—you can create a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for your baby. This way, you’ll enjoy the closeness and reassurance of having your little one right by your side, while also giving them the safest possible start.
Sources: SleepHealth Foundation, NSW Health, Red Nose Foundation