Safe Sleep Practices for Infants

Ensuring your baby sleeps safely is one of the most important steps in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents. Follow these evidence-based safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

1. Always Place Your Baby on Their Back to Sleep

• Babies should always be placed on their back for all sleep times (naps and nighttime).
• Side and stomach sleeping increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation, and overheating.
• Once babies can roll over on their own (around 4-6 months), they can remain in their preferred position but should still be placed on their back initially.

2. Use a Firm, Flat Sleep Surface

• Place your baby on a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard.
• Avoid inclined sleepers, car seats, or swings for routine sleep, as these can restrict airflow.
• A fitted sheet should be the only thing on the mattress—no pillows, bumpers, or blankets.

3. Keep the Crib Free of Loose Items

• No blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers.
• No weighted sleep sacks or weighted blankets.
• If additional warmth is needed, use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of loose bedding.

4. Share a Room, Not a Bed

• Keep your baby’s crib or bassinet in your room for at least the first 6 months (ideally 12 months).
• Do not bed-share, as it significantly increases the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
• If feeding or comforting your baby in bed, ensure you return them to their crib before falling asleep.

5. Avoid Overheating & Maintain a Safe Sleep Environment

• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (68-72°F or 20-22°C).
• Dress your baby in light layers—no hats indoors.
• Signs of overheating: sweating, flushed skin, rapid breathing.

 6. Offer a Pacifier at Sleep Time

• Pacifiers help reduce the risk of SIDS.
• If breastfeeding, wait until nursing is well-established (3-4 weeks) before introducing a pacifier.
• If the pacifier falls out after the baby is asleep, there’s no need to put it back.

7. Breastfeeding & Immunizations Reduce SIDS Risk

• Breastfeeding is protective against SIDS—exclusively for 6 months if possible.
• Keep up with your baby’s routine vaccinations, as they also lower SIDS risk.

 8. Avoid Exposure to Smoke, Alcohol, and Drugs

• No smoking, vaping, or drug use around the baby.
• Avoid alcohol or drug use, as they increase the risk of unsafe sleep situations.

 9. Practice Safe Supervised Tummy Time

• Tummy time is important for muscle development and preventing flat head syndrome.
• Always supervise tummy time when your baby is awake—never for sleep.

 10. Know When to Transition Sleep Practices

• Once your baby can roll over (4-6 months), it’s safe to let them find a comfortable sleep position.
• Stop using swaddles once your baby shows signs of rolling. Switch to a sleep sack instead.

When to Contact Your Pediatrician

If your baby has difficulty breathing, unusual sleep patterns, or trouble waking, seek medical advice immediately.

By following these safe sleep guidelines, you’re helping provide the best environment for your baby’s health and well-being.

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