Safe Baby Sleep

A crib is the safest place for babies 1 year old and under to sleep.

Ronin's Story || Safe Baby Sleep | Cook Children's

Prevention tips/recommendations

The majority of our first year of life is spent in a sleep environment. Follow the tips below to keep infants safe while sleeping.

Alone

Babies may sleep in the same room as the parents (room-sharing), but not in the same bed (bed-sharing).

On their back

Always place your baby on their back for every sleep time. Side and stomach sleeping are not safe for infants who can't roll over.

In a crib

Babies age 0-12 months should sleep in a safety-approved crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet at night and during naps.

Safe Sleep Routines

As parents and caregivers, we know you want to do everything it takes to protect your baby.

Safe sleep environments encourage healthy habits for both baby and caregivers.
Babies may sleep in the same room as the parents (room-sharing), but not in the same bed (bed-sharing).
After feedings, the mother should return the baby to their separate bed before falling asleep.
Babies age 0-12 months should sleep in a safety-approved crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet at night and during naps.
Always place your baby on their back for every sleep time. Side and stomach sleeping are not safe for infants who can't roll over.
Babies should sleep on firm surfaces with tightly fitted sheets.
Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, and bumper pads.
Wedges and positioners should not be used unless approved by a physician.
To keep your baby warm while sleeping, use a sleep sack or long-sleeved onesie. Body temperatures heat up faster in babies than adults, so extra layers are not needed.
Car seats, infant swings, and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.

Safe Sleep Council

Beginning in October 2015 the Center for Community Health, led by Cook Children’s collaborated with partners healthcare systems to begin a citywide safe infant sleep awareness campaign. This has since grown into the Safe Sleep Council.

Vital records collaboration

Partner with county vital records offices to provide safe baby sleep educational materials in birth certificate mailings to new parents.

Contact us about our program

For questions or information on safe baby sleep, contact injury.prevention@cookchildrens.org .

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