Safe Sleep

The ABCs of safe sleep and more!

The team at Philly Loves Families is here to guide you through the ABCs of safe sleep. It's important that you, caregivers, and family members know how to put your baby to sleep safely.

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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.

Safe Sleep Philly Crib Program


Do you need a crib/Pack 'n Play? Call, text, or email our Philly Loves Families Safe Sleep Team.
If you are 30 weeks or more pregnant, or have a child under one year old, click the button to request a Pack 'n Play:

Request a Pack 'n Play

Annette Frazier
(English)
Annette.Frazier@Phila.gov

Text me (215-519-8640)

Back to sleep, tummy to play

  • There are a number of ways to help your baby grow in a safe way that also prevents flatness on their head—like tummy time!
  • Limit the amount of time your baby spends in car seats, bouncers, swings, and carriers.
  • Change the direction your baby lies in the crib from one week to the next—for example, have your baby's feet point toward one end of the crib one week, and then the other end of the crib the next week.
Learn more

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