Risk Reduction
Babies Sleep Safest on Their Backs
Providing a safe sleep environment for baby is important for parents and caregivers to help reduce the risk of SIDS and other infant deaths related to bedding. Since the beginning of the National Back to Sleep Campaign in 1994, SIDS has dropped 50% in the United States. Read on for more information about what to do.
Do These Things for Safe Sleep
- Place your baby on its back at night and for naps.
- Place baby on a flat/non-inclined surface (no propping up).
- Use a firm mattress that fits tightly into crib.
- Give baby supervised “Tummy Time” while awake for upper body development.
- Create a smoke free zone around baby.
- Keep baby’s room at a comfortable temperature.
- Keep all well-baby appointments.
Things to Avoid – Unsafe Sleep
- Avoid placing baby on adult bed, waterbed, sofa, swing and car seat.
- Avoid using pillows, blankets, comforters, sheepskin, or other soft bedding (Suffocation hazard).
- Avoid covering your baby’s head during sleep while indoors.
- Avoid smoking around baby.
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs when caring for infants or children.
If you’re interested in ordering materials,
to increase awareness we offer the following: Brochures
Posters
Safe Sleep
With the help of bereaved parents and area physicians, CICL has produced a 9 minute safe sleep video that speaks directly to the issues surrounding safe sleep and what it can mean for the health of your baby.
The video is used Statewide by birth hospitals as part of the postpartum education of new moms and is accessible by visiting YouTube.
Additional Resources
- Safe to Sleep Interactive Room www.safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov
- Back to sleep material and information www.nichd.nih.gov
- Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov
- SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths:
To order, please email us:
