Health

Safe Sleep for Babies

Every year, around 3,500 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly while they're sleeping. In Larimer County, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) impacts 52 of every 100,000 live births. The best way to prevent sleep-related infant deaths is to follow the most recent evidence-based recommendations for safe sleep.

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers should be aware of current safe sleep practices because the recommendations have changed over time as we understand more about SUIDs. By working together, we can create a safer sleep environment for all babies and reduce the incidence of preventable infant deaths.

What is Safe Sleep?
  • Top Safe Sleep Tips
  • Additional Ways to Reduce Risk
  • Information for Parents/Caregivers 
Resources and Information
  • Parent & Caregiver Programs
  • Where to find safe sleep accessories and bedding
  • Additional Safe Sleep Resources
Room-Sharing Instead of Bed-Sharing
  • Bed-Sharing Risks
  • Room-Sharing Benefits
  • Additional Infant Care Resources

Safe Sleep

Here are some ways you can help create a safer sleep space for your baby during the first year of life:

  1. ALONE: Remove everything from the baby's sleep area except a fitted sheet to cover the mattress. Remove all pillows, blankets, stuffed animals or toys from the sleep space.
  2. BACK: Always place babies on their backs to sleep for every sleep rather than their side or stomach. 
  3. CRIB: Give babies their own sleep space and use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a crib or bassinet. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, infant carrier or sling, you should move them to a firm sleep surface on their back as soon as possible

FAQs

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  1. Why should my baby sleep alone?

    Bed-sharing (where babies and caregivers sleep in the same bed) is one of the most common causes of death in infants under 3 months old. Sharing a bed increases risks of overheating, airway obstruction, and head covering, all of which are risk-factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It's recommended to share a room with your baby for at least the first 6 months to a year, but not recommended to share a bed.

  2. Why do I need to get a crib or bassinet specifically for my baby?

    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents use a crib or bassinet to promote safe sleep for their babies.

    A separate crib or bassinet for your baby is considered the safest place for your baby to sleep during their first years of life. Sleeping in a crib or bassinet helps prevent the most common risks associated with infant sleep, including strangulation or suffocation. Even if a baby sleeps in an adult bed alone, there are still risks.

  3. My family can't afford a crib or bassinet for our baby. What are my options?

    Many retail locations offer a variety of crib options and prices. All cribs sold in the United States must adhere to consumer product safety standards, so buying a less expensive crib or bassinet should not affect the safety of the crib.

    Low to no-cost crib options may also be available for low income families through the following resources:

    • Request a crib through Cribs for Kids. Cribs for Kids partners are also located throughout Colorado, and many provide free cribs for low-income families who qualify.
    • Request maternity and newborn clothes and supplies through Stork Support of Northern Colorado
  4. When can I stop worrying about SIDS/SUID?

    SIDS/SUID can affect babies up to 12 months (1 year) old. It's important to take the risk of SIDS seriously throughout the baby's first year of life, though a baby's risk of SIDS drops significantly after 6 months.