The “dos and don’ts” for baby sleep spaces

Many young babies cannot lift their heads to pull away from soft objects that can pose a suffocation risk, such as bumpers, blankets, pillows, and sleep positioners. Also, a seated or semi-reclined position can cause your baby’s head to tip forward and their airway to be blocked.

Follow these simple tips to make every sleep a safe sleep:

DO:

• Do use products intended for sleep including cribs, bassinets, play yards and bedside sleepers that meet federal requirements.
• Do remember “Bare is Best” – nothing but a fitted sheet in a crib, bassinet or play yard.
• Do always place baby on their back.
• Do move your baby to their crib, bassinet, play yard or bedside sleeper if they fall asleep elsewhere.
• Do check our website for recalls (SaferProducts.gov) and sign up to receive recall notifications (CPSC.gov)

DON’T:

• Don’t add pillows or blankets to your baby’s sleep space.
• Don’t use weighted blankets or weighted swaddles*.
• Don’t leave your baby unsupervised in products that aren’t designed for safe sleeping. Inclined products with an angle greater than 10º -such as a rockers, gliders, soothers, and swings- should never be used for infant sleep.*This guidance is based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes for Health. Please go to CDC.gov and NIH.gov for more information.

Learn How to Put Your Baby to Sleep Safely

If you just had a baby, are expecting, or are taking care of a young infant, it’s important to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. Because babies spend much of their time sleeping, the nursery should be the safest room in the house. Take a few moments to learn about safe sleep by visintg this link: https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/FAQ