Safe Sleep Week is an important reminder for families and educators to revisit the simple steps that help keep babies safe while they sleep. At Rise Early Learning, we’re committed to creating environments where every child feels secure, supported, and protected — including during rest time.
Safe sleep practices are based on research and are proven to reduce the risk of sudden and unexpected infant death. Following consistent routines at home and in early learning settings helps build safe habits that protect children every day.
Why Safe Sleep Matters
Sleep is essential for babies’ growth, development and wellbeing — but how and where babies sleep matters just as much as how long they sleep.
Evidence-based safe sleep practices reduce risks such as suffocation, overheating and breathing obstruction, helping babies rest safely from birth through their first year.
As educators, we partner with families to ensure sleep routines are safe, consistent and aligned with national guidance.
The Six Safe Sleep Recommendations
Safe Sleep Week highlights guidance from Red Nose, Australia’s leading authority on infant safe sleeping. These key practices support safer sleep at home and in early learning environments:
- Place babies on their back to sleep
This position helps keep airways clear and supports natural protective reflexes. - Keep head and face uncovered
Babies regulate temperature through their face and head, so keeping these areas clear reduces overheating and suffocation risks. - Keep babies smoke-free
Smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth increases the risk of sudden infant death. - Provide a safe sleep environment
Use a firm, flat mattress in a safe cot with lightweight, well-fitted bedding and no soft items nearby. - Sleep baby in their own safe space
The safest place for babies to sleep is in their own cot or bassinet, ideally in the same room as a caregiver for the first 6–12 months. - Support safe sleep routines day and night
Consistency across all sleep times helps reinforce safer habits and environments.
How Rise Early Learning Supports Safe Sleep
At Rise Early Learning, safe sleep is built into our daily practice:
- Following recognised national safe sleep guidance in our policies and routines
- Preparing calm, clear sleep spaces free from hazards
- Positioning babies safely for every rest
- Monitoring sleep environments and room temperature
- Partnering with families to maintain consistent routines between home and care
- Educators attend training from recognised safe sleep sector experts
Early childhood services are encouraged to use Red Nose recommendations to guide sleep and rest practices — helping ensure environments are safe and responsive for infants and young children.
Supporting Safe Sleep at Home
Families play a key role in safe sleep. Simple actions make a big difference:
- Always place baby on their back
- Use a firm mattress and safe cot
- Keep soft toys, pillows and loose bedding away
- Ensure the room is not too hot
- Share safe sleep guidance with anyone caring for your child
Safe environments include clear spaces, appropriate clothing and a comfortable temperature to help babies breathe easily while sleeping.
Working Together for Every Child’s Safety
Safe Sleep Week is about awareness, education and shared responsibility. By working together — educators, families and carers — we can create consistent, safe routines that support healthy sleep and protect our youngest learners.
At Rise Early Learning, your child’s safety and well-being are at the heart of everything we do. If you’d like to learn more about our safe sleep practices or discuss your child’s routines, our team is always here to help.
You can also learn more here: Safe Sleep Week 2026 | Red Nose Australia