ABCs of Safe Sleep
ALONE
Alone in Their Crib
Share the room, not the bed. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in your room, but NOT in your bed. Babies should always sleep alone. There should never be anything else in a baby’s sleep space except for the baby. A pacifier is okay if the baby uses one, but if breastfeeding, please wait until breastfeeding is well established. Pacifiers should not be attached to a string, cord, stuffed animal, or anything else.
BACK
On Their Back for Nights and Naps
A baby should always sleep on their back at night and during nap time. Back sleeping on a firm, flat mattress in a crib or portable crib decreases the risk for SIDS. It does NOT increase the risk for choking or affect baby’s sleep quality.
It is not safe to place babies on their stomach or side to sleep. Make sure all caregivers know back to sleep is best.
CRIB
Clean, Clear Crib
Babies should sleep in a clean, clear crib. A baby’s crib should contain a fitted sheet only; no blankets, toys, pillows, bumpers, or other items that could cover a baby’s face and suffocate them. Cribs, bassinets, and portable playards with firm, flat mattresses are the only safe places for babies to sleep.
The most common sleep-related risk factor identified was an infant being placed on a surface not designed for infant sleep. A baby should never sleep on a couch, a swing, an adult bed, or on an adult’s chest while lying down. These places are not designed for a baby and could cause the child to suffocate. A baby sleeping in a car seat should be moved to a crib, bassinet, or portable playard as soon as you get out of the car.
DANGER
Be Aware, Know the Dangers Beyond the Crib
Secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS and other health issues. Never care for a baby when using drugs or alcohol. Be cautious of side effects when taking medications (including over-the-counter). If you’re exhausted, ask for help so you can rest. Make sure the baby isn’t too warm, dress them for the room’s temperature.