The Safe Sleep campaign educates parents and caregivers about ways to protect babies during sleep by reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths, collectively known as Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
This campaign offers a variety of free materials and resources to help you learn about safe infant sleep and share safe sleep information with friends, family, and others.
Remember the ABCs of Safe Sleep
- A – Alone – Your baby should always sleep in their own separate space, like a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard. Never share a bed, couch, or armchair with an infant.
- B – Back – Always place your baby on their back for naps and at night. Do not put them on their side or stomach to sleep.
- C – Crib – Use a firm and flat mattress covered only by a tight-fitting sheet. Keep the crib completely bare.
Essential Safety Guidelines
- Clear the Crib – Remove all loose blankets, pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys from the sleep area.
- Room Sharing – Keep your baby’s crib or bassinet in your room close to your bed, ideally for the first six months.
- Prevent Overheating – Dress your baby in lightweight sleep clothing, such as a wearable blanket or sleep sack, instead of heavy layers or loose blankets.
- Avoid Inclines – Do not let your baby routinely sleep in car seats, strollers, swings, or infant seats.
- Smoke-Free Environment – Keep your home and your baby completely away from cigarette smoke, vaping, and nicotine.
- Offer a Pacifier – You can offer a clean, stringless, and clip-free pacifier at bedtime and naptime to help reduce risks.
Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control