A baby’s airway is very delicate

Your baby’s airway is very delicate and it’s possible for it to become blocked, narrowed and or folded, making it difficult for them to breathe. 

Some baby products and sleeping positions make this more likely, but there are steps you can take to keep their airways clear and open so they can breathe easily.

Protecting your baby's ability to breathe:

Your baby's airways can become blocked, narrowed or folded. This can make it difficult for them to breathe.

What can affect baby's breathing?

Certain products and sleeping positions can cover your baby’s face, block their airways, or cause them to become folded or narrowed. These include:

  • Loose bedding  
  • Soft-sided pods 
  • Pillows  
  • Sleeping on their tummy 
  • Becoming wedged against an adult  
  • Sleeping in a sitting position 
  • Sleeping in a sling.

Keeping your baby’s airway clear and open

  1. Keep your baby’s face clear of any items such as bedding and toys.
  2. Place your baby on their back, in their own cot or Moses basket. 
  3. Always sleep your baby on a firm, flat mattress.

Let’s look at each of these in more detail.

Products that can restrict baby’s airway

There are lots of products available for babies to sit in and sleep in but some are not the safest options for sleep because they don’t protect your baby’s airway.  

Illustration depicting baby's airways being restricted, as an illustrated baby's head is sitting on their chest. This is restricting their airways (ability to breathe). Illustration depicting a baby sleeping on their back and showing how open the baby's airways (ability to breathe) are. There is a tick to indicate this is the correct way to safe sleeping for babies.
A baby is sleeping on their back. They have light skin and dark hair and wear a light yellow sleep suit.

 Don’t use the following for sleep:

  • Anything that keeps your baby in a seated, or “inclined”, position, such as bouncy chairs, swings, hammocks and beanbags. This is because baby’s head can fall forwards.
  • Sleep positioners or anything that restricts a baby’s ability to roll.
  • Duvets and cot bumpers, and thick, heavy or weighted bedding, as these items could cover the baby’s mouth and nose, blocking their airway.

If your baby falls asleep in products like the ones shown below, move them onto a firm, flat, clear space, such as a cot or Moses basket.

It is also important to keep your baby’s airway clear when using a sling or car seat.

A baby is being fastened into a car seat by their parent. They have light skin, a small amount of light hair and are looking to the side, smiling at their parent.

Remember

Babies’ bodies are different to adults. Their airways are much more delicate and their heads are heavier, so their heads can flop forwards and restrict their breathing. If their noses and mouths get covered by toys or bedding, or even press against soft surfaces, the air can’t flow and their breathing can be impaired. This means it’s important to take steps to keep their airways open and clear. Sleep them on their backs on a clear, flat, firm surface, so you can be confident that your baby can breathe easily.

Every baby safe. Every family supported.

If you found this information helpful, consider donating today to help us reach and help the next parent or carer, just like you. Your kindness will:

  • Empower families with trusted advice on keeping their baby safe
  • Support grieving families through the darkest days of their lives
  • Fund research seeking answers into sudden and unexpected deaths of babies and young children
  • Take us one step closer to a world where no baby dies suddenly or unexpectedly