Why Sleep Surface Firmness Matters: Understanding AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 and Red Nose Australia's Safe Sleep Standards
When it comes to infant and child care, sleep safety is non-negotiable. Whether you're a parent, early childhood educator, or centre manager, understanding how to choose the right sleep mat for child care is crucial for ensuring the well-being of every child in your care.
One of the most important safety standards in Australia is AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 – Methods of testing infant products – Sleep surfaces – Test for firmness. This test for infant sleep surface firmness is referenced by Red Nose Australia in their Safe Sleeping recommendations, and helps guide the selection of safe sleep products for babies and toddlers.
What Is AS/NZS 8811.1:2013?
AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 is the Australian and New Zealand standard that tests the firmness of sleep surfaces for babies and young children. It is used to assess whether a mattress, nap mat, or other sleep surface provides a sufficiently firm and flat sleeping area to reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), including SIDS.
This baby sleep safety standard uses a calibrated device to scientifically measure how much a surface indents under pressure. Sleep products that pass this test are considered firm enough to support safe infant sleep — a vital safety feature in any home, daycare, or early learning environment.
Why Is a Firm Sleep Surface So Important?
According to Red Nose Australia’s safe sleeping guidelines, using a firm, flat, and well-fitted sleep surface is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of sleep-related injury or death. A soft or sagging surface can cause a baby to sink in too deeply, increasing the risk of airway obstruction and suffocation — especially if they roll or reposition during sleep.
That’s why choosing a daycare nap mat or mattress made with foam tested for firmness under AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 is a responsible and safety-conscious choice for both families and educators.
How Hello Comfy Supports Safe Sleep Standards
At Hello Comfy, safety, comfort, and quality come first. Our Child Care Sleep Mats are made using foam that has been tested to meet the AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 firmness standard. This means the foam at the core of every mat is independently verified to provide a safe sleep surface for babies and toddlers. We are proud to use foam that aligns with the sleep surface recommendations outlined by Red Nose Australia.
Our sleep mats are:
- Constructed using firmness-tested foam
- Designed for use in early learning centres, daycares, kindergartens, and homes
- Flame-retardant, waterproof, and stain-resistant
- Easy to wipe clean and sanitise
- Lightweight and stackable for convenient storage
- Proudly made in Australia
Whether you need a foldable child care nap mat or a regular sleep mat, Hello Comfy products offer the perfect balance of practicality, durability, and child-safe design.
More Than Just a Sleep Mat: Supporting a Safer Sleep Environment
In addition to using firm foam that meets Australian baby sleep safety standards, we offer complementary sleep products to support a peaceful nap time routine.
- Our 100% cotton sleep mat sheet sets are breathable, soft, and secured with elastic so they stay firmly in place.
- Our Sleep Mat Privacy Dividers help reduce visual distractions, supporting better rest in busy group environments.
Together, these products help create a safe, clean, and comfortable sleep space for children in child care centres and at home.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right sleep surface for a baby or toddler is a big responsibility. Products made using foam tested for firmness under AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 — like those in Hello Comfy's range — help give carers, parents, and educators confidence that children are sleeping safely.
Shop our range of child-safe, educator-approved child care sleep mats, and make a well-informed decision backed by trusted standards and safety-focused design.
FAQ
Q: What is AS/NZS 8811.1:2013?
A: It’s the Australian and New Zealand standard used to test the firmness of baby and infant sleep surfaces, ensuring they don’t indent excessively under weight — helping to reduce the risk of suffocation.
Q: Is this standard part of Red Nose Australia’s Safe Sleep recommendations?
Yes. Red Nose Australia references AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 when advising on how to create a safe sleep surface for babies in both home and child care settings.
Q: Are Hello Comfy mats certified to the standard?
A: The foam used inside Hello Comfy mats has been tested to AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 Methods of testing infant products – Sleep Surfaces - Test for firmness. This is a voluntary test method and applies to the foam component only.
Q: Who are these mats suitable for?
A: Our mats are ideal for child care centres, preschools, early learning centres, kindergartens, and home use, offering a durable, safe, and easy-to-clean sleep solution.
For more information about safe sleep guidelines and infant sleep safety, please visit the official website of Red Nose Australia.