Parents & Caregivers

You can reduce the risk of infant death from suffocation by being aware of and following safe sleeping practices. See our top 8 Baby Safe Sleep Guidelines –and always put your baby on their back to sleep until their first birthday.

1. A baby should sleep in the same room as an adult but in their own crib. Never put your baby to sleep on a couch, chair, water bed or other soft space.
2. Don’t put crib bumpers, blankets, pillows or toys in your baby’s crib.
3. The only thing in baby’s crib should be a firm mattress & fitted sheet.
4. Never put your baby to sleep in a crib made more than 10 years ago or that has missing or broken parts.
5. Don’t make the room your baby sleeps in too hot. Dress your baby in no more than one more layer than you are wearing.
6. Always put your baby back in their crib after feeding.
7. Keep your baby away from smoke, alcohol & illegal drugs.
8. Tell everyone who cares for your baby about safe sleep and insist on your baby sleeping in a safe place.

Four Tips for Baby’s Comfort

• Babies should be held skin-to-skin with mom as soon as possible after they are born, at least for the first hour.
• Take care of yourself and your baby—eat well and see a doctor regularly.
• Stay up to date on all required shots for your baby.
• Give your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.