Do you know the ABC's of Safe Sleep?

These simple steps should be taken by every caregiver, every time your baby sleeps - nap time and night time.

A is for Alone
The safest place for babies is in the same room as their parents, but alone in a separate sleep area.

B is for Back
Always place babies on their back to sleep.

C is for Crib
Babies need their own safe space to sleep. Keep all loose objects, soft toys and bedding out of baby's sleep area.

Other steps to create a safe sleep environment for your baby include:

• The room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult; 68 to 72 degrees is recommended.
• Sleep sacks are a great option to provide an extra layer of warmth, without the need for a blanket.
• Sitting devices such as car seats, strollers, swings and slings are not recommended for routine sleep.
• Breast feed your baby as long as possible.
• Once breast feeding has been well established, you may consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bed time. The pacifier does not need to be reinserted once it has fallen out of your baby's mouth and should not be forced if your baby is not interested.
• Objects such as stuffed toys, which might present a suffocation or choking risk, should not be attached to pacifiers. Also,pacifiers that attach to clothing should not be used with sleeping babies.
• Do not smoke while you are pregnant or allow others to smoke around your baby.
• Seek medical care early in your pregnancy. Good medical care and nutrition habits while you are pregnant will reduce the risk of premature birth, which is a major risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Need a sleep sack or swaddle blanket? Visit the Safety Store at Children's Hospital.

More Information

• Safe Sleep PSA
• Safe Sleep Tennessee
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Cribs for Kids
• Safe Kids Worldwide