SIDS and Kids is a national organisation that helps save babies lives and supports those families who have been affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, SIDS and sudden or unexpected death of babies and young children.

In Australia last year over 1000 babies and young children died suddenly during pregnancy, birth and up to 6 years of age. In addition to this it is estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies end as a result of miscarriage.

Through SIDS and Kids key services of education, training, bereavement support and advocacy we help many families in their time of need.

SIDS and Kids needs to maintain these vital services and at the same time continue to focus on education through our highly successful SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping Campaign. This campaign has significantly reduced the risk of SIDS over the past ten years.

The SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping Campaign recommends:

• put your baby to sleep on their back from birth
• ensure that your baby's face stays uncovered while they're asleep
• always tuck baby in securely, with their feet at the bottom of the cot so that they can't slip under the bedclothes
• 'barren is best' - quilts, doonas, soft toys, pillows and cot bumpers are not recommended
• don't let your baby get too hot or too cold
  
• make sure the mattress is firm, clean and well-fitting
• keep baby's environment smoke free

The following are things to look out for and avoid where your toddler or baby sleeps - both during the night and for any daytime naps. Remember to look for these things in your home and anywhere your child is cared for - including day care, childcare centres and the homes of family and friends.

• an unsupervised adult bed may be unsafe for babies or toddlers if they get caught under adult bedding or pillows, get trapped between the wall and the bed, fall out of bed, are rolled on by someone who sleeps very deeply or who is affected by drugs and alcohol
• soft sleeping places where a toddler's or baby's face may get covered, falling asleep with the baby while on a couch, pillows, cushions or tri-pillows are too soft and can cover baby's face, don't put your baby or toddler on a waterbed or beanbag.
• dangling cords or string - keep the cot away from any cords hanging from blinds, curtains or electrical appliances
• keep heaters and electrical appliances well away from the cot to avoid the risk of overheating, burns and electrocution
• prams, strollers and bouncers where restraints are not done up

For more information on SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping please visit www.sidsandkids.org or contact our Health Promotion Team in your State on
1300 308 307.