Safe Sleep Practices for Infants

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Sudden Unexplained Infant Deaths (SUIDs) are a preventable cause of death in infants. Follow the ABCs of safe sleep to ensure your baby sleeps safely. Always place your baby on their back, on a firm mattress, or in an empty crib. Avoid bed-sharing and keep the sleeping area free from soft bedding or toys.

Make a Safe Place to Sleep

Always put your baby to sleep on their back, on a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet. Keep the crib empty and avoid using soft bedding, pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals that could suffocate your baby.

Bed Sharing Risks

Babies should always have their own sleep surface and should not share beds with adults, children, or pets. Bed sharing increases the risk of SUIDs as it can lead to suffocation or accidental rolling over by an adult.

Room Sharing Benefits

While bed sharing is not recommended, room sharing can help prevent SUIDs. It is advised to have your baby sleep in your room on a separate safe surface like a bassinet or crib.

Safe Home Environment

Create a smoke-free environment for your baby as SUIDs occur more often in babies exposed to smoke. Pacifier use can also help prevent SUIDs but avoid attaching pacifiers to clothing or using them with stuffed animals.

Tummy Time

Engage in tummy time with your baby while they are awake to reduce the chances of flat spots on their head. Always supervise them during tummy time.