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Newborn Sleep Positions: A Guide To Safer Sleep
Back to Baby Sleep
It's 2am, your newborn has finally drifted off, and you're standing over the bassinet wondering if they're lying the right way. Totally normal. Here's a simple guide to newborn sleep positions: which one Red Nose recommends, which ones to avoid, what to do when your baby starts rolling and how to set up a safer sleep space around them.
The short answer
Your newborn should sleep on their back, for every sleep, day and night, from birth. Red Nose Australia advises against side and tummy sleeping until your baby can roll confidently on their own, which for most babies happens around 4 to 5 months. Pair back sleeping with a firm, flat mattress, a clear cot and your baby's face and head uncovered.
In this article
- Why Sleeping Position Matters For Babies
- Recommended Sleeping Position: Back-Sleeping
- Sleeping Positions To Avoid For Newborns And Infants
- What To Do When Your Baby Starts Rolling
- Is It Safe To Use Sleep Positioners?
- Creating A Safer Sleep Environment
- Why Baby Sleepwear Matters For Safer, More Comfortable Sleep
- FAQs About Newborn Sleep Positions
Why Sleeping Position Matters For Babies
The position your baby sleeps in is one of the simplest ways to lower the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), which includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and fatal sleeping accidents.
Newborns can't yet move themselves out of a tricky spot, so how you place them down really matters. That's why health organisations like Red Nose Australia put sleeping position at the very top of their safer sleep advice. The good news? It's free, it's easy and it works from the very first night.
Recommended Sleeping Position: Back-Sleeping
Back sleeping is the recommended sleeping position for babies, from birth until they're 12 months old. Red Nose advises always placing your baby on their back to sleep, and notes that back sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, overheating and choking.
A few simple ways to get it right every time:
- Every sleep counts. Back sleeping is for naps and night-time, at home and when you're out.
- Feet to the foot. Place your baby with their feet at the bottom of the cot or bassinet, so they can't wriggle down under any bedding.
- Face and head uncovered. Babies release heat through their head and face, so keep both clear.
- Tell the team. Make sure grandparents, carers and daycare know the back-to-sleep rule too.
Worried about your baby choking on their back? It's a really common concern, and you're not alone in it. Red Nose lists choking as one of the risks back sleeping helps reduce.
Sleeping Positions To Avoid For Newborns And Infants
Until your baby can roll confidently on their own, there are two sleeping positions to steer clear of: on their side and on their tummy.
Sleeping On Their Side
Side sleeping isn't recommended unless a doctor or medical professional has told you otherwise. Red Nose says babies placed on their side have twice the risk of SUDI, because side positions are unstable and babies can easily roll onto their tummy.
Once your baby can roll independently, they'll often find their way onto their side. That's okay. Keep placing them down on their back, and if they're not rolling yet and you find them on their side, gently roll them onto their back. Read more in our guide, Can Newborns Sleep On Their Side?
Sleeping On Their Stomach
Tummy sleeping carries the highest risk for young babies. Red Nose explains that a baby's airway is not protected in this position, which could lead to accidental suffocation. The same goes for letting your baby fall asleep on your chest while you're lying down.
Tummy time is still a great idea while your baby is awake and you're right there with them. It builds the neck and shoulder strength they'll need for rolling. For more, read Can Babies Sleep On Their Stomach Safely?
What To Do When Your Baby Starts Rolling
Once your baby can roll confidently on their own, from back to tummy and back again, they can sleep in whichever position they choose. Red Nose notes most babies start rolling around 4 to 5 months.
Rolling changes everything. Here's what to do next:
- Keep placing them on their back. Always start every sleep on their back, even once they're rolling.
- Stop swaddling. Red Nose advises stopping wrapping once your baby starts rolling, so their arms are free to help them move. Our guide to transitioning walks you through it.
- Move to a cot. It's also time to move from a bassinet into a cot.
- Boost tummy time. More awake tummy time helps them get stronger and more confident at rolling.
Not sure if your baby is there yet? Our guide to when babies start rolling over covers the signs.
Is It Safe To Use Sleep Positioners?
No. Red Nose doesn't recommend positional products such as anti-roll devices, wedges or anything designed to hold your baby in one position. Products that restrict the movement of your baby or their head shouldn't be used.
There are no Australian Standards for these products, and case studies have shown they can be unsafe. The same goes for propping up or tilting the mattress: Red Nose says a mattress should not be elevated or modified in any way. A firm, flat mattress and back sleeping are all your baby needs.
Creating A Safer Sleep Environment
The right position works best inside the right sleep space. Red Nose's safer sleep recommendations make it simple:
- Back to sleep. Always place your baby on their back.
- Face and head uncovered. No hats, hoods or loose fabric near their face.
- A clear cot. No soft items like pillows, bumpers, toys or loose blankets.
- Firm, flat mattress. The right size for your cot or bassinet, with no gaps.
- Room share. Sleep your baby in their own safe sleep space in your room for at least the first 6 months.
- Smoke free. Keep your baby smoke free before and after birth.
- Breastfeed if you can.
For the full checklist, see our safer sleep guidelines for newborn babies.
Why Baby Sleepwear Matters For Safer, More Comfortable Sleep
Loose blankets can end up over your baby's face, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid. That's where well-fitted sleepwear comes in. Red Nose lists using a safe sleeping bag as one of the ways to reduce the risk of SUDI, and recommends one that's well fitted across the neck and chest, with arms out and no hood.
Here's how that looks at each stage:
- Newborn: our Swaddle Up™ is designed for back sleeping, with no loose fabric to kick off. It lets your baby sleep with their hands up near their face, just like they did in the womb, which can help them self-soothe.
- Rolling: when your baby shows signs of rolling, a transition swaddle helps them get used to arms-free sleep, one arm at a time.
- Arms free: once they're rolling confidently, a sleeping bag keeps them cosy without any loose bedding.
To avoid overheating, choose a TOG to suit the room and dress your baby comfortably underneath. Our guide to TOG ratings makes it easy.
FAQs About Newborn Sleep Positions
What position should a newborn sleep in?
On their back, for every sleep, day and night. Red Nose recommends back sleeping from birth, as it reduces the risk of suffocation, overheating and choking. Place your baby with their feet at the bottom of the cot and their face and head uncovered.
Will my baby choke if they sleep on their back?
It's a really common worry, but Red Nose lists choking as one of the risks that back sleeping helps reduce. If your baby has a medical condition, talk to your doctor about the right sleeping position for them.
Is it okay if my baby rolls onto their tummy in their sleep?
Once your baby can roll confidently on their own, from back to tummy and back again, they can sleep in the position they choose. Keep placing them down on their back to start every sleep. If they're not rolling independently yet, gently roll them onto their back.
Can my baby sleep on an incline or upright?
No. Red Nose says a mattress should not be elevated or modified in any way, and warns against inclined sleep products. A firm, flat surface is the recommended place for your baby to sleep.
Can my baby sleep on my chest?
Red Nose describes falling asleep with your baby on your chest while you're lying down as an unsafe sleep position, similar to tummy sleeping. If you feel yourself getting sleepy, pop your baby on their back in their own sleep space.
Key takeaway
Back is best, for every sleep, from birth. Avoid side and tummy sleeping until your baby can roll confidently on their own, skip the sleep positioners and keep the cot clear. Pair it with fitted sleepwear for each stage, and you've got a safer, cosier set-up for those hard-earned hours of sleep.
Looking for more support through the newborn stage? Explore our baby sleep blog for practical, parent-friendly guides.