Baby's Safe Sleep

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Always put babies on their backs to sleep

• Use a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet.
• No bumper pads or loose blankets.
• Prevent overheating, dress baby in layers.
• Remove toys, stuffed animals and pillows.
• Blanket should be no higher thant the chest.
• Keep face and head uncovered.
• Tuck a lightweight blanket in on three sides of the crib.
• Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS.
• Babies should always sleep alone and in a crib.
• Keep cigarette smoke away from baby.

Take these steps to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Infant Sleep Related Deaths.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.NCHealthyStart.org
www.MamaSana.org

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Tips to lower your baby's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and infant sleep related death.

Preparing for Baby

• Use a firm mattress that is the correct size for your crib.

Keep pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, bumper pads and stuffed toys out of the crib.

• These items can trap, suffocate or strangle your baby.

• Keep items with a cord (baby monitors, mobiles, lamps) out of baby's reach.

Make sure the baby's room does not get too hot.

• A room that is too warm can put babies at a higher risk for SIDS.

Do not buy or use products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.

• Wedeges, positioners, special mattresses or breathing monitors do not reduce the risk of SIDS any may be dangerous.

Keep your car and home smoke-free at all times.

• Smoking or breathing secondhand smoke during or after a pregnancy is a risk-factor for SIDS.

When Baby Comes Home

Your baby should sleep on her back until she is one year old.

• If your baby is strong enough to roll onto her tummy when sleeping, she can be left that way.

Your baby should sleep alone in a crib, portable crib or bassinet.

• If your baby falls asleep in a car set, stroller, swing, bouncy chair, infant sling or couch, move him to a crib as soon as possible, to avoid suffocation or choking.
• Twins, triplets or other young children should sleep in their own crib or bassinet.

Your baby should never sleep on a bed, couch or other sleeping area with anyone, including parents.

• Instead, keep the crib or bassinet at an arm's reach from your bed so you can be close to your baby and easily breastfeed.

Dress your baby in no more than one layer more than you would wear.

• Your baby may be too hot if sweating or if her chest feels hot.

Breastfeed your baby for as long as you are able to.

• Studies show that breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk for SIDS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I have a brand new crib for my baby?

You don not need a new crib for each baby. You should have a crib that does not have a drop-side, is put together correctly, has not been recalled and is not broken. Check this site for current safety standards and more information: www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs/index.html

Will my baby get a flat head sleeping on his back?

If your baby spends a lot of time lying on his back, he may develop a small flat spot on the back of his head. A flat spot is common and will likely disappear soon after he starts to sit up.

To avoid flat spots:

• Give your baby lots of supervised tummy time when awake.
• Turn your baby's head to the side when sleeping.
• Do not have your baby spend too much time in a car seat, bouncy chair or anywhere his head lays flat.

Won't my baby choke if she spits up when lying on her back?

Your baby is not more likely to choke when on her back compared to being on her stomach. When a baby spits up she will swallow the spit-up or it will dribble out of her mouth. When a baby is lying on her back, the "food pipe: is below the "air pipe" so gravity helps keep the spit-up out of the air pipe and lungs.

What are the rules for infants sleeping in child care?

North Carolina law states that anyone who cares for children under age one must be trained in infant safe sleep and must put babies to sleep on their backs. Licensed childcare homes and providers must have a written safe sleep policy signed by the parents.