Always remember the ABCs of safe sleep!
The ABCs of safe sleep for infants are: Alone; On Back; In a Crib, with no blankets, bumpers, pillows, or toys.
Always alone
- Your baby should always sleep on their own in a crib, bassinet, Pack 'n play.
- No blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or bumpers.
- Alone means no people. Don't sleep in the same bed as your baby.
- The safest place for the baby to sleep is in the same room as their caregiver, just never with them in a bed, armchair, or couch.
- Put the crib, bassinet, or Pack 'n Play near your bed overnight so you can be close.
- Keep your baby's sleep area in the same room where you sleep for the first 6 months or, ideally, for the first year.
Back to sleep for every sleep
- Always put your baby down to sleep on their back.
- Use a swaddle, sleep sack, or wearable blanket (like a mini sleeping bag made for babies) instead of blankets. A swaddle should not be too tight or make it hard for the baby to breathe or move his or her hips. Learn more about safe swaddling.
- When your baby begins to roll over, be sure to remove any swaddles. A wearable blanket is still safe when baby can roll.
- Do not overheat or overbundle (put too many clothes) on your baby to sleep.
In a crib
- Your baby should sleep in their own crib, bassinet, or Pack 'n Play (see below on how you can get a free Pack 'n Play).
- Provide your baby with a firm sleep surface. Firm means that the baby's head does not make a dent on the surface.
- Keep your baby's crib in a cool room, away from cooking areas and smoke.
- Car seats, strollers, and swings are not meant for long-term sleep.
- Couches, chairs, and adult beds are not safe for babies to sleep on.
