South Australian First Nations families are to be offered specialised pods for cosleeping to reduce the number of babies dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The pod provides a safe space for newborns to sleep in or next to the family bed.
Nina Sivertsen who leads the Safely Sleeping Aboriginal Babies in SA program at Flinders University said the Pēpi-Pod was designed for newborns.
The rollout of the pods through hospitals, including at Whyalla and Port Augusta, is the result of a collaboration between regional health networks and the SA Aboriginal Health Council.
The concept originated in New Zealand and now the Pēpi-Pod cosleeping boxes have successfully been trialled interstate.
"It's also been introduced in Queensland where about 600 Pēpi-Pods have been distributed across 600 health networks," Dr Sivertsen said.
SA researchers were eager to explore the concept in a culturally sensitive way.
She said the program had already received positive feedback from Aboriginal families.
"We've seen this has sparked lots of communication within communities," Dr Sivertsen said.
Higher mortality rate
Aboriginal newborn mortality rates have improved in recent years, despite a target to halve the number in 2018 not being met.
Flinders University figures show Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy is three to four times higher in Aboriginal babies.
Dr Sivertsen attributes that to risks including socioeconomic factors and higher numbers of babies having a low birth weight.
As well as the sleeping pods, the project team is also giving 235 health care professionals educational resources about safe cosleeping.
