Research from the CDC shows that around 3,400 babies in the US die every year while sleeping, often from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or from accidental suffocation or strangulation.
Most babies are professional sleepers, so it's important for parents and caregivers to make sure infants are placed in safe sleep environments for every nap and at night. If your baby falls asleep in an unsafe environment, move them to their safe sleep area.
Babies fall asleep in all kinds of places that aren’t good for sleep, like car seats, bouncy seats, swings, and loungers. Move them to their crib, cradle, or bassinet as soon as possible so they are both safe and comfortable.
To an adult, pillows and blankets look warm and comforting, but these items can be dangerous for your baby. A bare crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm mattress and fitted sheet is the safest place for your baby to sleep. If you are worried about your baby being cold, dress them in a sleep sack for bedtime.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents and caregivers share a room with their babies for at least 6-12 months but NOT share a bed. Place your baby on their back in their own crib, bassinet, or portable play yard for every sleep.
When it comes to your baby’s sleep space, you don’t need much. Babies are safest (and perfectly comfortable) when they’re flat on their backs in a simple, uncluttered crib, bassinet, or play yard.
Simple, bare, clear, empty: whatever you call it, make sure your baby’s crib, bassinet, or play yard is free of blankets, pillows, bedding and other items.
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