Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most important things you can do to protect your baby. Following these guidelines can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers.
The ABCs of Safe Sleep
Remember these three key principles for every nap and nighttime sleep:
- Alone: Infants should always sleep alone.
- Back: Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Crib: Use a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The sleep space should be free of toys, pillows, blankets, and other loose items.
Additional Safe Sleep Tips
- Place infants under one year of age on a firm, flat sleep surface for all naps and nighttime sleep.
- Avoid placing your baby on adult beds, couches, or recliners, as these increase the risk of suffocation or entrapment.
- Co-sleeping or bed-sharing is not recommended.
- Do not use wedges or positioners. These are unsafe and banned under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2022.
- Avoid routine sleep in sitting devices such as car seats, swings, strollers, or bouncers.
- Avoid smoking during pregnancy and do not allow smoking around your infant.
- Prevent overheating by dressing your baby in light layers. Use a sleep sack instead of loose blankets.
- Pacifiers may help reduce the risk of SIDS. If you’re breastfeeding, consider waiting until it is well established before introducing a pacifier.
Breastfeeding and SIDS Prevention
Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of SIDS. Whenever possible, support and encourage breastfeeding as part of your baby’s safe sleep routine.