Safe Sleep for Babies

There has been a dramatic decrease in the number of baby deaths since the 90s when safe sleep recommendations were introduced, and it was recommended that babies sleep on their backs.  

According to the CDC, there are still about 3,500 sleep-related deaths among US babies each year. Yet 22% of mothers report not placing their baby on their back to sleep, though it is recommended, and 39% report using soft bedding, though strongly discouraged.   

Here are four tips to keep your baby safe while sleeping.

1. Place baby on their back for all sleep times - naps and at night. 
2. Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib. 
3. Keep soft bedding like blankets, bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals and toys out of the baby's sleep area. 
4. Have the baby share your room, not your bed.  

These practices can help lower the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation, and deaths from unknown causes.