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Did you know that a staggering 80.5% of Australian parents are unaware of the risks associated with Carbon Dioxide (CO2) rebreathing in infants?
An independent 2024 survey of Australian parents, commissioned by BabyRest, revealed that this critical yet often overlooked hazard poses a significant threat to babies during sleep. Despite the fact that 83% of parents consider mattress quality and safety when purchasing baby furniture, a startling 75% remain uninformed about the dangers of CO2 rebreathing. Even more concerning is that only 20% of parents feel confident that their current mattress is safe and effective in preventing this risk. These statistics highlight a critical need for awareness and education among new and expectant parents.
Learn more about the survey & the role of the cot mattress in safer sleep here →
Introducing Dr Ron Somers: The baby sleep superhero you need to know about
At BabyRest, we take infant sleep safety seriously, which is why we’ve worked with Dr Ron Somers, whose work has had a profound impact on infant sleep safety worldwide. Dr Somers developed the Sleep Surface - Test for Firmness - a voluntary standard that originated in Australia and New Zealand over a decade ago and has since become mandatory in the United States.
Dr Somers has dedicated his career to improving sleep safety standards for infants, and he has been one of the lead developers of the CO2 rebreathing test - a new safety standard that is likely to become adopted by the leading retailers and manufacturers later this year. This test ensures that cot mattresses are not only firm enough to prevent suffocation but also designed to minimise the risk of CO2 rebreathing, which is a known cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Read our interview with Dr Somers →
What you need to know about current Australian cot mattress safety standards
Despite advancements in sleep safety research and the adoption of stringent standards in other parts of the world, Australia does not currently enforce strict safety standards for cot mattresses. This gap in regulation leaves parents vulnerable to purchasing products that may not have been adequately tested for safety. The lack of mandatory testing means that some mattresses on the market could be potentially hazardous, putting infants at risk.
For more information on the dangers of untested infant mattresses, you can read the full report from the Consumers Federation of Australia here →
The risks of untested mattresses
An untested mattress may unwittingly house the risk of CO2 rebreathing. When a baby’s exhaled breath is trapped by the mattress and bedding, it can lead to a dangerous buildup of CO2, which the baby then re-inhales. This process can lower the baby’s oxygen levels, potentially leading to suffocation - a serious risk associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Choosing a mattress that has not been rigorously tested for CO2 rebreathing could mean unknowingly exposing your baby to this hidden danger. It’s essential that parents choose a mattress that has been tested and certified by trusted safety organisations to ensure their baby is sleeping in a safe environment.
The DuoCore ™ mattress and safer sleep
At BabyRest, we are proud to offer the DuoCore™ bamboo cot mattress, a product that has been recognised for its exceptional safety and quality. The DuoCore™ mattress is the highest-certified cot mattress in Australia - meeting the strictest industry standards and thus receiving our Safer Sleep Tested guarantee. DuoCore™ has also been awarded multiple accolades, including the INPAA Approved certification, CHOICE “Recommended” status since 2020, and rated 5/5 by 50 families in a Bounty Parents Trial.
These accolades are not just badges of honour; they are a testament to the rigorous testing and quality assurance that goes into every BabyRest product.
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INPAA Approved: Endorsed by Australia’s top nursery safety committee - your assurance of the highest safety standard. Learn more →
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INPAA 'Tried & True' Award: Awarded in 2025, it recognises
products that have elevated safety outcomes, introduced groundbreaking design features and continue to be trusted by parents years after their launch and see enduring success. Learn more →
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Kiindred Award: Awarded 'Expert's Choice' for Best baby or Toddler Mattress in the 2025 Kiindred Awards. Learn more →
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Bounty Parents Trial Team: Rated a perfect 5/5 by 50 Australian families who trialled the DuoCore™ for 6 weeks. Learn more →
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CHOICE “Recommended”: Trusted quality backed by Australia’s leading consumer advocacy group
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BedBuyer rating: Highly rated (4.8/5) by Australia’s leading independent mattress review site - expert approval you can trust
- Safer Sleep Tested: Exceeds key safety tests for firmness and CO2 rebreathing - ensuring a safer sleep for your baby
The DuoCore™ mattress features an engineered dual-layer foam core that meets the latest safety testing standards for firmness and CO2 rebreathing. Its luxurious bamboo cover not only adds comfort but also helps maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring a fresh, clean, and hygienic sleeping environment for your baby.
What you need to know about CO2 rebreathing as a parent
CO2 rebreathing occurs when a baby’s exhaled breath is trapped by their mattress and bedding, only to be re-inhaled, which can dangerously lower their oxygen levels. This hazard is most likely to occur when an infant turns face down during sleep as they cannot easily roll back over.
While some mattress brands market their products as “breathable”, it’s important to understand that your baby is not expected to breathe through the mattress. In fact, a mattress that is too ventilated is more likely to absorb too much CO2 and increase the risk of rebreathing. On the other hand, a mattress that doesn’t have enough ventilation may become hot and sweaty - especially in an Australian summer - which can also pose risks, as infants can’t yet regulate their own body temperature and can easily overheat.
We know your little one’s safety can be overwhelming, but rest assured, we can help you get it right. 
Checklist for choosing the ideal cot mattress
When selecting a cot mattress for your baby, consider these 5 things to ensure it meets the highest safety standards for your peace of mind:
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Firmness: The mattress should be firm enough to prevent suffocation, as softer mattresses can conform to the shape of the baby’s head and face. Ensure the mattress passes the Firmness test (AS/NZS 8811.1) or the Consumer Goods (Infant Sleep Products) Safety Standard 2024
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CO2 Rebreathing Tested: Ensure the mattress has been tested and certified to prevent for CO2 rebreathing
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Ventilation: Look for a mattress that offers balanced ventilation to maintain a fresh and hygienic materials, but without absorbing excessive CO2
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Safety Certifications: Choose a mattress that has been recognised by trusted safety organisations like INPAA, Red Nose, CHOICE or BedBuyer
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Materials: Look for mattresses made from non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials that are gentle on your baby’s skin
For more practical steps on choosing a safe cot mattress, you can refer to the Red Nose guide here →
Let us empower you to make informed decisions
At BabyRest, we believe that knowledge is power. By understanding the risks associated with CO2 rebreathing and the importance of choosing the right cot mattress, parents can make informed decisions that prioritise their baby’s safety.
Your baby deserves a safe and peaceful sleep environment, and it all starts with choosing the right mattress.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, we are always here to help. Let’s work together to ensure that every baby sleeps safely, giving you and a parent the peace of mind you deserve. Get in touch with any questions about your baby and toddler essentials.
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