Infant Safe Sleep

Back to sleep for every sleep

• Supine position (baby on its back) until baby is one year old, even if baby can roll over.
• Baby should be alone in a crib, portable crib, pack-and-play or bassinet.

Use a firm sleep surface

• A firm crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet.

Keep baby's face uncovered for easy breathing

• Use a sleep sack instead of a blanket.

Room-sharing without bed sharing

• Keep baby in a separate, but nearby sleeping area. For example, a bassinet or portable crib in your room.

Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, entrapment and strangulation

• No pillows, bumper pads, blankets, comforters, stuffed animals or other soft objects.

Avoid commercial devices marketing to reduce the risk of SIDS

• These include wedges, sleep positioners, special mattresses and portable recliners.

Don't rely on cardiorespiratory monitors to prevent SIDS

• There isn't any evidence that these decrease SIDS.

Avoid overheating baby

• The infant should be lightly clothed for sleep and the bedroom temperature should be kept comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
• In general, dress your baby in no more than one extra layer than you would wear.

Avoid exposure to smoke

• Don't allow anyone to smoke around baby.

Consider offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime

• For breastfeeding infants, offer a pacifier only after nursing is well established.

Breastfeeding is recommended

Immunize following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations

Provide supervised, awake tummy time

• This helps with muscle development and minimizes the risk of plagiocephaly (flat heads).