Safe Sleep

Infant Safe Sleep

Newborn babies sleep for many hours every day because their bodies are growing fast. A safe sleep area can help lower the risk for sleep-related death. Here are tips and resources to create a safe sleep space for your baby.

Where should my baby sleep?

• Keep your baby in your room near your bed for at least the first 6 months after birth.
• Place your baby on a firm, flat surface, covered only by a fitted sheet.
• Do not use a car seat, carrier, swing or similar place for sleep.

What are the ABCs of safe sleep?

• A – Alone. Babies are safest when they sleep alone.
• B – Back. Always put your baby on their back when sleeping. Place baby in a wearable blanket or sleeper and offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime after breastfeeding is established.
• C – Clutter free crib in caregiver’s room. A shared room and separate surface for baby to sleep is recommended for at least 6 months after birth. There should be no pillows, blankets or toys in the crib.

What other tips will help my baby sleep safely?

• Breastfeed if possible
• Avoid exposure to smoke, alcohol and illicit drugs
• Avoid overheating and dress appropriately for temperature
• Practice supervised awake tummy time to promote development
• Avoid commercial positioning devices; check CPSC.gov for information about safety recalls
• Stop swaddling when baby can roll over independently

Safe Sleep video

Safe Sleep resources:

Videos
Safe Sleep for Your Baby: Every Nap & Every Night – American Academy of Pediatrics
Safe Sleep for Your Baby: 60 Seconds -- NICHD
Visuals
What does a safe sleep environment look like? 
Como es un ambiente de sueno seguro? 
Articles
How to Prevent SIDS | UCLA Med School
Safe Sleep Habits for Infants and Young Toddlers