More than 3,500 babies in the US die suddenly and unexpectedly every year while sleeping, often due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation or strangulation. Keep your baby safe by following the ABCs of Safe Sleep.
A: Alone
The safest place for babies is in the same room as their parents, but alone in a separate sleep area.
B: Back
Always place babies on their back to sleep.
C: Crib
Babies need their own safe space to sleep. Keep all loose objects, soft toys and bedding out of baby’s sleep area.
Below are a few more recommended tips to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby.
- The room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly-clothed adult – 68 to 72 degrees.
- Sleep sacks are a great option to provide an extra layer of warmth, without the need for a blanket.
- Car seats, strollers, swings and slings are not recommended for routine sleep.
- Continue breastfeeding your baby as long as possible after birth.
- Once breastfeeding has been established, consider offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime. The pacifier does not need to be reinserted once it has fallen out of your baby’s mouth and should not be forced if your baby isn’t interested.
- Stuffed toys should not be attached to pacifiers as they can present a suffocation or choking risk. Pacifiers that attach to clothing should not be used with sleeping babies.
- Do not smoke while you are pregnant or allow others to smoke around your baby.
- Seek medical care early in your pregnancy. Good medical care and nutrition habits during pregnancy will reduce the risk of premature birth, which is a major risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
