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A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleep

31st March 2026

A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleep

Safe sleep, made simple

Bringing your baby home comes with a lot of questions, and sleep is usually right at the top.

You’ve probably heard different advice from Google, social media, friends, and family… and it can feel like a lot. So let’s simplify it.

I’m Holly (Little Dream Boats), a certified pediatric sleep consultant, registered teacher, and mum of two. I also have a background in science, and I’ve completed additional training in pediatric sleep health.

Through my work with families, I’ve seen just how overwhelming sleep advice can feel, especially when you’re tired and just want to know you’re doing the right thing.

So in this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the most common safe sleep questions in a clear and practical way, so you can feel confident in your baby’s sleep setup.

What’s the #1 rule for safe sleep??

If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this:

Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

Sleeping on the back keeps your little ones’ airway open and has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death significantly. Even if your baby seems more settled on their tummy, the back is always safest for sleep. Place your baby on their back for the first 12 months.

Are all bassinets safe?

Not all bassinets are created equal. To be considered safe, a bassinet should:

Have a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly, with no gaps larger than 25mm

Be sturdy and durable, with a wide, stable base

Have no sharp edges or protrusions that could injure your baby or catch on clothing

Made with breathable mesh sides to support airflow and visibility

If it has wheels (castors), they should have lockable brakes on at least two wheels

If it’s foldable, the legs should lock securely to prevent accidental collapse

Choosing a bassinet with these features can help you feel more confident in your baby’s sleep space, especially as New Zealand and Australia don’t have specific, standalone safety standards for bassinets.

That’s why opting for a bassinet that has been independently tested and certified (such as INPAA certification) can offer additional reassurance, as it means the product has met recognised safety criteria for infant sleep products.

Does co-sleeping mean bed-sharing?

These terms are often used interchangeably, which can make things confusing.

Co-sleeping simply means sleeping in the same room as your baby.
Bed-sharing means your baby is sleeping in the same bed as you.

They’re not the same thing, and that distinction matters. Current safe sleep guidance recommends room-sharing (without bed-sharing) for at least the first 6–12 months, as this has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS

Products like co-sleeper bassinets can make this easier by allowing your baby to sleep close to you, while still having their own safe, separate sleep space.

How do I know when bubs is ready to leave the bassinet?

Guidance can vary slightly depending on the bassinet, so it’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

That said, there are some clear signs your baby may be ready to transition:

Showing signs of rolling or trying to push up onto their hands and knees

Reaching the weight or age limit

Looking cramped or unsettled in the space

Red Nose Australia recommends moving to a cot as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling, as this provides a safer and more appropriate sleep space.

At this point, it’s best to transition to a cot with a firm, flat mattress.

Hot tip: If your baby is no longer swaddled and is waking more frequently because they’re hitting their arms on the sides of the bassinet, this can also be a sign they’re ready for more space.

Do breathable mesh sides matter?

Breathable mesh sides can be helpful because they:

Improve airflow

Allow you to easily see your baby

But it’s important to know that when you move your little one into the cot, adding mesh bumpers is NOT considered safe.

What’s the “ABC” of safe sleep?

You might hear this a lot:

A = Alone (no toys, pillows, or loose bedding)
B = Back (always placed on their back)
C = Cot (or bassinet, with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet)

It’s a simple way to remember the foundations of safe sleep.

Why should baby sleep in the same room as parents?

Room-sharing (without bed-sharing) is recommended for at least the first 6 months because it:

Reduces the risk of SIDS

Makes feeding and settling easier overnight

Helps you respond quickly to your baby

It’s protective and practical, especially in those early months.

What’s the safest sleep space for baby?

The safest place for your baby to sleep is:

A bassinet, cot, pepi pod, or whahakura

With a firm, flat mattress

In a clear, empty sleep space

In the same room as you

No loungers, nests, or propped-up surfaces, even if your little one looks comfortable and you are watching them.

Why choose a certified bassinet?

When it comes to your baby’s sleep space, safety is everything, and not all bassinets are tested to the same level.

For example, choosing a bassinet that is INPAA certified (Infant & Nursery Products Alliance of Australia) means it has been assessed against recognised safety standards for infant sleep products.

INPAA is Australia’s safety authority for baby products and works closely with regulatory bodies and industry experts to promote the highest levels of infant safety.

The Mocka Dream Swing Co-Sleeper and Bassinet meets the safety requirements outlined in the Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products) Safety Standard 2024 and Consumer Goods (Infant Products) Information Standard 2024.

Choosing a certified bassinet like this provides added confidence that your baby’s sleep space has been designed and tested with safety in mind, so you can focus on what matters most.