Safe-Sleep Best Practices

Put baby on his or her back for all sleep times.

Put baby to sleep on a firm sleep surface.

Put baby to sleep in the same room as caregiver.

Put baby to sleep in her or his own sleep surface (i.e., a crib, bassinet, portable play yard, etc.).

Take all soft bedding and toys out of the crib (i.e., no bumpers, blankets, stuffed animals, etc.).

Put baby to sleep in a “sleep sack” and do not over bundle or overheat.

Breastfeed baby, if possible.

Give baby a pacifier (wait about 3 weeks if baby is being breastfed).

Get good prenatal care (if applicable).

Get baby his or her shots and checkups on time.

Mom and dad should stop smoking before infant’s birth.

Keep all tobacco smoke away from baby and from baby’s items.

If it applies, mom and dad should stop using illegal drugs and abusing alcohol.

Avoid using special sleep devices unless told to by clinician

Avoid using cardio-respirators unless told to by clinician