Top Safe Sleep Tips for Your Baby

Safe infant sleep is important year-round. By understanding the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and following recommended safe sleep practices, families and caregivers can help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.

Create a Safe Sleep Environment for Your Baby

One of the most important things caregivers can do is create a safe sleep environment for babies. Babies should be placed on their backs for every sleep, on a firm, flat sleep surface such as a crib, bassinet or play yard. Make sure the sleep device meets current safety standards. Look for a Baby Safety Alliance Seal, and visit Recalls.gov to check for recalls or other safety concerns.

Keep the sleep space clear of loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers and other soft items. If a baby needs extra warmth, a wearable sleep sack is a safer option than a loose blanket.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least six months, and ideally for the first year. Keeping baby nearby can make nighttime feeding and comforting easier while still allowing the baby to sleep in their own safe space.

Keep Your Baby Away From Smoke and Vaping

Avoid smoking around babies. Exposure to cigarette smoke, vaping aerosols and other tobacco products can increase a baby’s risk of SIDS and other health problems. Keep the home and car smoke-free, and ask anyone who smokes to do so outside, away from the baby. Changing clothes and washing hands before holding the baby can also help reduce exposure to smoke residue.

Practice Safe Sleep With Every Caregiver

Safe sleep recommendations should be followed every time a baby sleeps, no matter who is providing care. Grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers should all be familiar with the same safe sleep practices.

Follow the ABCs for Safe Sleep

A simple way to remember the basics:

• A — Alone
• B — On their Backs
• C — In a Crib
• D — Don’t Smoke

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Call: 775-982-4352

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