Midwives say a Green Party policy to provide a flax sleeping basket for newborn babies could see a decrease in cotdeath.

The Wahakura Welcome pack will contain a woven flax basket for newborn babies to sleep in, along with sheets, clothing and reusable nappies.

New Zealand College of Midwives Advisor Alison Eddy says a number of baby deaths every year could be avoided if all newborns had a safe place to sleep.

"Safe sleep for babies a really important thing in the early part of a baby's life and some families simply don't have the resources to provide that. So we think the Greens' approach is really practical and will benefit lots of families."

Ms Eddy says safe sleeps are incredibly important for newborns.

"It's a portable sleeping device for the baby and it can be placed on the bed, beside the mum and the dad or another surface but it basically provides a safe place for the baby to sleep in but it can also be close to the parent."

The policy will come at a cost of $15 million, with each kit costing $295 each.