Safe Sleep Practices

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants, under 1 year of age, be placed to sleep on their backs every time you lay them down to sleep. This lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). When your infant is able to roll from their back to their stomach or side, they can sleep in the position they prefer.

For more information, watch “Safe Sleep for Babies” at kidshealth.org/en/parents/safesleep-video.html

At home, follow the safe sleep practices below and use the photo on page 2 as a guide for placing your baby to sleep.

• Place your baby on their back to sleep for every sleep.
• Use a firm sleep surface, such as a crib or bassinet, with a fitted sheet.
• Room share, but do not bed share. Only bring baby into your bed to feed or comfort. Do not fall asleep with the baby in your bed.
• Never place your baby to sleep on a couch, sofa, or armchair.
• Keep the crib bare. Avoid using soft bedding, including crib bumpers, blankets, pillow, and soft toys.
• It is OK to swaddle your baby. Make sure the blanket is at the armpits or below.
• Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep.
• Offer your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
• Breastfeed if you are able.
• Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS. (If there is a medical need, your baby may go home with a home monitor.)
• Place your baby on their stomach while they are awake, and someone is watching. Tummy time every day helps strengthen your baby’s head, neck and shoulder muscles.
• Avoid exposing your baby to smoke, alcohol and illicit drugs.

Photo from safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov

Dependent on your baby’s diagnosis or age, the safe sleep practices shown above may not always be followed while your baby is in the NICU. If your child was born prematurely or has certain medical diagnoses, you may see positioning aids used for your baby. These may include positioning aids such as bumpers, wedges and moldable sleep surfaces.

We may also use therapeutic positioning. This means your baby may be positioned on their stomach (prone) or side lying due to diagnosis, development, or to prevent skin injury. As your baby grows and their medical status changes, we will slowly begin using the safe sleep practices you will use at home. By the time your baby is ready to leave the NICU they will be sleeping in a bed that promotes safe sleep.

We will partner with you on providing safe sleep for your baby. Your baby will have a “crib card” with either NICU therapeutic positioning or Safe to Sleep indicated. When your baby is medically ready, we will transition to Safe to Sleep and will note this change with the crib card.

Please let your care team know if you have any questions about your baby’s sleep in the NICU or at home.