Safe sleep is as easy as ABCD
A. Alone
- Nothing and no one else in the sleep space
- No toys or stuffed animals
- Baby should never sleep with parents, siblings, pets or anyone else
B. Back
- Baby should be placed to sleep on their back
- A baby is actually at less risk for choking on their back than when on their stomach
- Babies breathe easier when they are on their backs
C. Crib
- Baby should be in a naked crib with only a fitted sheet
- Never use other bedding or soft items like bumpers, sleep wedges, pillows or blankets
D. Don’t smoke
- Secondhand smoke increases the risk of sleep-related death
- Never smoke in a baby’s environment, even when they are awake!
Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome/SIDS. Any amount of breastmilk is beneficial for babies, especially in the first six months.
Learn more about safe sleeping at metrohealth.org/pediatrics/safe-sleep-heroes.
