Health

What is Safe Sleep?

The following guidelines have been proven to help ensure a safe sleep environment for infants and lowers the risk of sleep-related infant deaths and Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID). 

To sleep safely, babies should be:

  • Placed on their backs for naps and at nighttime
  • In their own crib or bassinet
  • On a firm, flat sleep surface
  • In a sleep sack or onesie instead using loose bedding like pillows or blankets

Additional ways you can reduce the risk:

  • Share a Room:  Consider room-sharing instead of bed-sharing 
  • Pacifier:  In combination with other safe sleep practices, safe use of a pacifier may protect baby's airway and reduce the risk of SUID.
  • Breastmilk: The longer you give your baby breastmilk the more protection it gives by improving the immune system, promoting brain development, reducing reflux, and more!
  • Keep Baby Cool: Over-bundling or dressing baby in too many layers can increase risk. Check for signs of overheating such as sweating, a hot chest, or flushed cheeks.
  • Smoke-Free / Drug-Free: Avoid smoking, using nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs while caring for your baby. The risk of sleep-related infant death is more than 10 times higher for babies who share a bed with someone who has used drugs or alcohol.

Source: HealthyChildren.org - The American Academy of Pediatrics

FAQs

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  1. Are crib bumpers and inclined sleepers safe for babies?

    To help prevent sudden infant deaths, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants should sleep on flat and firm surfaces. Babies should sleep by themselves, without any bumpers, soft bedding, pillows, or stuffed toys. Crib bumpers and inclined infant sleeper products can cause a baby to suffocate. 

    Crib bumpers are unnecessary and can cause a baby to suffocate by being trapped between the bumper and the mattress. Inclined sleepers, sometimes called baby nests, pods, or rockers can cause a baby to fall asleep with their chin on their chest, which can make it so the baby can't breathe well. These should not be used. The Safe Cribs Act was signed into law in May 2022 and will soon make it illegal to sell, distribute, manufacture or import crib bumpers and inclined sleep products.

  2. How do I know if my baby's crib is safe?
    • Check the CPSC website to make sure your crib hasn't been recalled, especially if it's used.
    • Make sure your crib mattress is designed for your specific crib and that it fits tightly. Use a fitted sheet only—nothing else should be in the crib with your baby.
    • Don't use a crib that doesn't have instructions, is missing hardware or that's broken.
  3. I don't want to leave my baby by themselves. Can I bring them to bed with me?

    Based on the evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC do not recommend bed-sharing with your baby. It is, however, recommended that parents and caregivers place the baby's crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play in their room - close to their bed for comforting, bonding, and feeding. Sharing a room can reduce the risk of SUID by as much as 50%.