Research shows that parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of sleep¬-related infant death. Accidental suffocation may occur if a baby's nose or mouth is blocked by soft bedding, stuffed animals, or loose blankets - or if another child or adult shares the same sleep surface. These dangers can arise in a bed, on a couch or even on a recliner chair.
To keep infants safe during sleep:
- Always place babies on their backs to sleep for naps and nighttime.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface such as a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard.
- Keep soft bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, and loose blankets out of the sleep area.
- Avoid bed-sharing with adults or other children; instead, room-share by keeping the baby’s sleep space in your room.
- Dress infants in wearable blankets or sleep sacks rather than using loose blankets.
The national "Safe to Sleep" campaign (formerly known as the "Back to Sleep" campaign), includes information on reducing the risks of all sleep-related, sudden unexpected infant deaths, in addition to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).