The Tasmanian majority Liberal Government is delivering on our commitment to better protect the safety and wellbeing of babies.
As part of this strategy, the government is funding a trial of the Pepi-Pod Sleep Space to provide a safe sleeping space for babies, prevent accidental suffocation and reduce the rate of Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy (SUDI).
Commencing in March, the trial will be coupled with a safe sleep education program, complimenting safe sleep advice already underway across the state.
The Pepi-Pod Sleep Space is a portable baby sized module and includes a cover, fitted mattress, sheets and a merino blanket and is targeted at babies not yet mobile, generally used up to five months.
The Pepi-Pod Sleep Space program is an evidence-based program originating in New Zealand that has been shown to reduce the rate of SUDI in that country. It is being trialled in a variety of sites nationally and internationally.
During the six month trial, 100 Pepi-Pods will be distributed to Tasmanian Women attending specialised antenatal clinics.
Feedback from staff and parents will be used to evaluate the trial and inform decisions about any future rollout of the Pepi‑Pod Sleep Space or an alternate safe sleeping program across the state.
Our aim is to ensure vulnerable babies and infants are identified early and that their parents and family members receive the support they need to be the best parents they can be.