Infant Safe Sleep
Helping your baby sleep safely is one of the most important things you can do. Safe sleep means creating a space where your baby can rest without things that could block their breathing or cause harm. With a few simple steps, you can lower your baby’s risk and feel more confident during those early months.
ABCs of Safe Sleep
- Baby should sleep alone, with no people, pets, blankets, or toys.
- Baby should sleep on their back for every nap and every night.
- Baby should sleep in a crib, bassinet, or pack‑and‑play with a snug, fitted sheet.
Why Safe Sleep Matters
Babies are still growing and cannot move themselves out of unsafe positions. They also breathe differently than older children and adults. Because of this, soft bedding, pillows, toys, or sleeping next to someone can be dangerous. Safe sleep helps protect your baby from suffocation and other sleep‑related risks. Every nap and every bedtime is a chance to keep your baby safe.
The Do & Don’t List for Safe Sleep
DO
- Do put your baby to sleep on his/her back for every sleep.
- Do put your baby’s crib in the same room as your bed (room‑sharing).
- Do put your baby in a crib to sleep for naptime and bedtime.
- Do find your own way to stay awake while feeding your baby.
- Do use a firm crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet.
- Do breastfeed your baby.
- Do offer a pacifier for sleep once breastfeeding is established.
- Do use a wearable blanket to keep your baby warm.
- Do vaccinate your baby.
DON’T
- Don’t put your baby to sleep on his/her side or stomach.
- Don’t sleep with your baby on a shared surface.
- Don’t put your baby to sleep on a couch, armchair, or adult bed.
- Don’t fall asleep holding or feeding your baby.
- Don’t use a car seat, swing, stroller, or infant carrier for routine sleep.
- Don’t have blankets, pillows, toys, or bumper pads in the crib.
- Don’t smoke, drink, or use drugs.
- Don’t swaddle your baby if he/she shows signs of rolling over.
- Don’t let your baby overheat.
Make a Plan for When You’re Exhausted
Caring for a baby is tiring, and it’s normal to feel worn out. Planning ahead helps keep your baby safe even when you’re sleepy.
- If you think you might fall asleep while feeding or comforting your baby, use a bed instead of a couch or chair.
- Remove pillows, blankets, and soft items from the bed so the space is safer.
- Set a timer or ask someone to check on you.
- If you do fall asleep with your baby, move them to their crib as soon as you wake up.
These small steps can make a big difference.
Last Modified September 14, 2026
