Follow the ABCs of safe sleep for babies to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Alone: Babies should sleep alone – not in your bed, on the couch or on cushions/pillows.

• The safest place for your baby to sleep is the same room as you or their caregiver.
• You can place your baby’s crib next to the bed.

Back: Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep – not on their sides or stomachs.

Crib: Babies should sleep in their own cribs (or a safety-approved Pack and Play) with a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet. Do not put bumper pads, blankets, pillows or toys in the crib.

Recommendations

The following recommendations have been provided by the American Academy of Pediatricians.

• Do not smoke during pregnancy or after your baby is born. Keep your car and your home smoke-free. Don't smoke anywhere near your baby, even if you are outside.
• Do not use alcohol or illicit drugs during pregnancy or after the baby is born.
• Studies have found that breastfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS. Breastfeed or feed your baby expressed breast milk.
• Schedule and go to all well-child visits. Your baby will receive important immunizations (shots) at these well-child visits. Recent evidence suggests that immunizations may have a protective effect against SIDS.
• Make sure your baby has tummy time every day while awake. Tummy time should be supervised by an awake adult.