Safe Sleep

We’ve all seen the news reports of recalled infant pillows and sleeper chairs because they have a high risk of suffocation. Every year in the United States about 3,500 babies die each year from sleep-related deaths. Sleep-related causes of infant death are those linked to how or where a baby sleeps or slept. They are due to accidental causes such as suffocation, entrapment (when a baby gets trapped between two objects, such as a mattress and a wall) or strangulation. The best way to prevent a sleep-related tragedy from occurring is to practice safe sleeping techniques.

How do i practice safe sleep with my infant?

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There are three important things to keep in mind when practicing safe sleep.

1) Back is best!

Babies sleep best on their backs. Every time you lay an infant down to sleep it should always be on their back. Placing an infant on their stomach increases their risk of SIDs (Sudden Infant Death).

2) Sleep surface matters!

Babies should always be placed on a firm sleep surface, such as an infant mattress. Babies should never be placed on adult mattresses.

3) Only baby in the bed!

Infants should be put in a one-piece sleep set to go to sleep, there should be no pillows, blankets or stuffed animals in the crib or bassinet with them. Infants should never sleep in the same bed as an adult.

Additional Resources

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ABCs Of Safe Sleep

What does safe sleep look like?

Safe Sleep Brochure