Safe Sleep For Baby

Each year in New York State, more than 120 infants die of sleep-related infant deaths, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Unsafe sleep practices include infants sleeping on their tummies or sides or in places other than cribs/bassinets/play yards, such as adult beds, baby slings, car seats, couches or armchairs. Also unsafe is sleeping with pets, other children or adults, or with blankets or other bedding, crib bumpers, or stuffed toys.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation. Unsafe sleep and SIDS are the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age, with most deaths occurring when a baby is between two and four months of age.

Infant death due to unsafe sleep practices is preventable. Dress your baby in a one-piece sleeper or wearable blanket. Do not use loose blankets and make sure your baby is not too warm.

Make Sure Everyone Caring for Your Baby Follows these Tips:

Alone

  • Put baby on his/her back to sleep – even if baby was born early (premature).
  • Your baby should not sleep with adults or other children.
  • Share your room, not your bed. Room-sharing lets you keep a close watch over your baby while preventing accidents that might happen when baby is sleeping in an adult bed.
  • Nothing should be in the crib except baby; no pillows, bumper pads, blankets or toys.

Back

  • Put baby to sleep on his/her back, not on his or her tummy or side.
  • Put your baby on their tummy every day when baby is awake. Watch and encourage your baby. "Tummy time" helps baby develop strong shoulder and neck muscles.

Crib

  • If baby falls asleep on a bed, couch, armchair, or in a sling, swing or other carrier, put baby in a crib to finish sleeping.
  • Use a safety-approved* crib/bassinet/play yard with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet.
  • DO NOT USE A DROP-SIDE CRIB. Federal safety standards do not allow drop-side rail cribs to be made or sold.
  • Before you buy or use any crib/bassinet/play yard check the CPSC recall list to make sure it has not been recalled.

Smoke-Free Home

If you do not have a safe space for your infant to sleep, you may be able to receive a free portable crib and sheet.

If your household receives public assistance or has limited resources, you may be eligible. Please contact your local department of social services to check eligibility.

Tips

  • Use a one-piece sleeper or wearable blanket. Don’t use loose blankets.
  • Dress baby in layers of clothing or use a sleep sack to keep warm. This will keep baby warm while reducing the chance of covering their head or trapping them with the blanket.
  • Breastfeed your baby.
  • Try using a pacifier for sleep but don’t force baby to take it.
  • Get your baby immunized.
  • If your baby is in a front or back baby carrier, be sure that baby’s face is always visible.
  • Ensure baby is in a safe sleep environment for every sleep, even naps, and after waking up in the middle of the night.
  • Weighted blankets and swaddles are not recommended.
  • Don’t use alcohol or drugs when caring for your baby.
  • Don’t rely on home baby monitors.

Educational Materials

Resources