World-first product safety standards to save babies’ lives

AUSTRALIA has launched world-first product safety standard aimed at helping parents reduce infant mortality rates due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Developed by a coalition of the country’s leading experts in the field, the proposed suite of product safety standards will help better protect infants, empower parents as well as better regulate the sale of unsafe products.

Australian Bureau of Statistics specify SUDI cases, which include SIDS and other unspecified signs of mortality, have increased in recent years, with 112 SUDI and 100 SIDS cases reported in 2023.

The updated standards directly address critical safety issues that can put babies at risk and focus more on rigorous and expanded product testing, simplified communication and sound advice on which products are safe or not.

The revised standard included an enhanced mattress standard resting process, significantly enhancing the range of products that must undergo firmness testing in order to conform to standards.

A firm sleep surface is crucial as it helps maintain an infant’s airway by reducing suffocation risks or rebreathing of carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide buildup is widely believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. The standard will establish a methodology to measure carbon dioxide and improve product design requirements.

It will address products marketed as breathable which can potentially trap carbon dioxide and create a hazardous sleep environment.

Additional product safety communication will be published in early 2026 to enhance labelling, advertising and educational requirements for all infant sleep products.

Product information may be confusing for some parents and carers who can be presented with conflicting product advice.

This standard will ensure brands communicate sleep safety in a clearer manner.

The three product safety standards will complement existing and recognised advice on creating a safe sleep environment.

These include placing a baby on its back, ensuring its airways are clear and not obstructed, sleeping a baby in a safe cot in parent’s room for the first 6 to 12 months and keeping babies free from smoke.

Co-founder of Geelong organisation River’s Gift Alex Hamilton is the bereaved mum of River, who passed away from SIDS aged 4 months.

“Parents are constantly trying to make the safest choices for their babies, but it can be overwhelming. These standards take away some of that uncertainty,” Ms Hamilton said.

“They give parents clearer, more consistent guidance and confidence that the products they’re using meet strict safety standards.

“Just as importantly, they help prevent unsafe products from reaching families in the first place. When we’re talking about protecting babies’ lives, that kind of clarity and accountability is absolutely crucial.”

For more information on all three standards, head to standards.org.au/flagship-projects/safe-sleeping