A New Beginning

Safe Sleep

Caring For Your Baby

Safe sleep starts in the hospital. Please always place your newborn on their back when returning them to their crib. Be sure to share these important recommendations with babysitters, grandparents, and other caregivers. It’s also important for parents and all caregivers to take an infant CPR class.

SCAN + PLAY

ABCs of Safe Sleep

The ABCs of safe sleep were developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They are an easy way to remember the basic guidelines for protecting your baby while they sleep or nap.

stands for Back

stands for Alone

stands for Crib

Your baby should sleep alone in their own crib or bassinet. The safest place for their bed is in your bedroom, close to your bed. Don’t fall asleep while holding your baby.

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of SIDS is to place healthy babies on their backs when putting them down to nap or sleep. Since the AAP recommended in 1992 that all babies sleep on their backs, deaths from SIDS have declined dramatically.

Your baby should sleep in a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards. If you are using an older crib, go online to make sure it meets current safety standards.

Pacifiers may be used once breastfeeding is going well. Use the pacifier when placing your baby down to sleep. Do not insert it once the baby is asleep if it falls out.

Dress your baby in sleep clothing like a one-piece sleeper, and do not use a blanket. Avoid overdressing and overheating.

Keep pillows, sheepskins, crib bumpers, and toys out of your baby’s bed.

Make sure nothing covers the baby’s head.

Don’t use items with ties, like bibs,

Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet.

Do not smoke or let anyone smoke around your baby. Do not use alcohol or illicit drugs.

Do not use products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, like wedges or home cardiorespiratory monitors.

pacifiers, cords or other attachments on or near baby when sleeping.

Chapter 8: Caring for Your Baby 89 Chapter 8: Caring for Your Baby 89