Safe Sleep for Babies
Every year thousands of infants in the United States die suddenly during sleep, from SIDS or accidental suffocation. You can lower the risk dramatically by following a few clear rules every time your baby sleeps, including naps.
- Parents
- Caregivers
- Child Care
The ABCs of safe sleep
- Alone: the baby sleeps alone in their own space, not in an adult bed, couch or armchair.
- Back: always place babies on their backs to sleep, for every sleep until age 1. Once a baby can roll over both ways on their own, they don't need to be turned back.
- Crib: use a safety-approved crib, bassinet or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet made for it.
Keep the sleep space empty
- No pillows, blankets, quilts, bumper pads, stuffed toys or positioners. Use a wearable blanket (sleep sack) if the baby needs warmth.
- Do not use sleep products that tilt or incline the baby. Inclined sleepers and some other products have been recalled or banned. Check recalls. See Childproofing.
- Keep cords, window blind cords and electrical devices away from the crib. See Blind Cords.
Other ways to lower risk
- Share a room, not a bed: put the baby's crib or bassinet in your room for at least the first 6 months
- Keep the room at a comfortable temperature; avoid overdressing or covering the head
- Offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime once breastfeeding is going well (do not force it)
- Do not smoke or allow smoking around the baby; avoid alcohol and drugs when caring for a baby
- Breastfeeding, regular prenatal care and recommended vaccines are associated with lower risk
- Give tummy time while the baby is awake and supervised
- If you swaddle, stop when the baby shows signs of rolling; use swaddle products as directed
Away from the crib
- Babies who fall asleep in a car seat, swing, stroller or sling should be moved to a firm, flat sleep surface as soon as it's safe. Do not use car seats for routine sleep outside the car. See Child Car Seats.
- If you fall asleep feeding, return the baby to their crib when you wake.
- Share these rules with grandparents, babysitters and child care providers.
Standards & references
Last updated: