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 Create a Safe Sleep Zone
Revised August 2006
Providing a safe sleep environment is the single most important step you can take to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS, suffocation and accidental infant deaths. By creating a “safe sleep zone” for your baby every time he or she is placed down to sleep, you will be providing your baby the best possible chance to survive and thrive.
- Your baby should sleep on a firm mattress covered with only a tight-fitting crib sheet.
- Use a wearable blanket or other type sleeper instead of blankets to keep your baby warm and safe during sleep.
- Soft or pillow-like bumpers, wedges and positioners should never be used in your baby’ssleep area.
- Always place your baby on her back for sleep .
- Make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep when visiting or traveling.
It is fine to breast feed and bond with your baby in your bed, but when its time to fall asleep, protect your baby by placing her alongside your bed in a separate, safe sleep area.
The safest sleep area is a crib that meets current safety standards. The mattress should be firm and fit snuggly in the crib. For parents looking for safe alternatives to a crib for their sleeping baby, such as a bassinet, cradle or co-sleeper, click here. Visit www.cpsc.gov or www.jpma.org for crib safety standards. If you or someone you know can't afford a crib, please visit the website of First Candle's recently-launched safe sleep campaign, Bedtime Basics: An Infant Safe Sleep Campaign.
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