Infant safe sleep

We know getting your infant to sleep can be difficult. At Advocate Condell, our obstetrics and maternity experts are here to help you and your infant sleep safe.

Infant safe sleep tips

Although the CDC reports about 3,400 sleep-related deaths annually in the U.S., parents and caregivers can help babies sleep safely and reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

How to sleep

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress, in a safety-approved crib covered only by a fitted sheet.
• Keep loose bedding or any objects out of your baby's sleep area.
• If you feel sleepy while holding your baby, place your baby on their back on their sleep surface to avoid falling asleep while holding them.
• A cordless, dry pacifier is great to give your baby for naps and at night to reduce the risk of SIDS after your baby begins nursing.
• Avoid any smoking around your baby.
• Be cautious that your baby doesn’t get too warm while sleeping.
• Supervised skin-to-skin contact is recommended for an hour following delivery.

Where to sleep

• Keep your baby’s sleep area (crib or bassinet) in the same room where you sleep until your baby is at least 6 months old.
• Don’t let your baby fall asleep on nursing pillows or pillow-like lounging pads.
• Sitting devices like car seats, bouncy seats or infant recliners shouldn’t be used for routine sleep. Wedges or positioners shouldn’t be used.
• Avoid placing your baby to sleep on a couch or armchair.

Swaddling

• Make sure your baby is on their back when swaddled.
• Be sure the swaddle is not too tight and your baby can move their hips.
• When your baby looks like they are ready to roll over, stop swaddling your baby. 

Safe Sleep products

While some products may be marketed to promote safe sleep or to reduce the risk of SIDS, it’s important to look for those products that have been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These products have been shown to be safe for infants and are in keeping with best practices.

Back to sleep, tummy to play

While you should always place your baby on their back to sleep, babies also need time on their tummy to support motor skill development and muscle strengthening. Start by placing a thin blanket on a clean floor. When your baby is awake and an adult is watching, place your baby on their tummy. Practicing tummy time with your baby is important because it helps:

• Prevent flat spots on your baby’s head
• Your baby’s muscles develop so they can sit, crawl and walk
• Your baby develop coordination
• Your baby to play and interact with the world around them

Remember, blankets are for tummy time. Avoid placing blankets in your baby’s sleeping area.

Additional information and resources

• Cribs for kids
• Helping babies sleep safely
• How to keep your sleeping baby safe