You are not alone if you have questions about how to keep infants safe while they sleep. Here you will find answers to some of the most common questions and concerns that many parents have. Remember to talk to your healthcare provider about your questions and concerns.
Common Questions
No. Many parents worry that their baby will choke when sleeping on his or her back, but this is not true. Infants are actually less likely to choke when placed on their backs. Babies have a reflex to keep their airway clear and avoid choking. They will cough up or swallow any fluid or spit up. Click HERE to see a video to see more: https://youtu.be/zm0YQbAsDnk
A bare crib is best.
The only things that should go in a crib or pack-and-play with your baby:
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A tight-fitted sheet on a firm, flat mattress
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An optional pacifier (without attachments like stuffed toys)
That’s it.
There should never be anything soft in your baby’s crib. This includes:
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pillows
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blankets
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stuffed animals
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bumper pads
These items increase the risk of suffocation.
Instead of a blanket, your baby can wear a wearable blanket or sleep sack.
Decorate the room, not the bed.
Learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwg6rz2XEG0
No. Bumper pads should never be used in an infant’s crib.
Modern crib safety standards make bumper pads unnecessary. The bars on newer cribs are no longer wide enough for a baby’s head to get stuck.
Bumper pads can be dangerous because they can cause suffocation or entrapment.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires crib bars to be no more than 2⅜ inches apart.
An easy test:
Try placing a standard soda can between the crib bars. If it fits, the crib does not meet current safety standards.
It may seem hard, but a firm sleep surface is safest for babies.
The mattress in a crib or portable crib is designed to be firm for safety. Only add a tight-fitted sheet—nothing else.
Do not try to make the mattress softer or more comfortable with padding or blankets. Soft sleep surfaces increase the risk of suffocation.
The safest option is a sleep sack, also called a wearable blanket.
These keep your baby warm while reducing the risks that loose blankets create, such as suffocation or entrapment.
If you fall asleep while holding your baby:
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Ask someone to move the baby back to their crib, or
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Set an alarm to wake yourself so you can move the baby safely.
Removing bulky bedding from your bed can also help reduce suffocation risks.
Breastfeeding is great for your baby.
A helpful approach is to place your baby’s crib near your bed. This allows you to easily pick up your baby for nighttime feedings and then return them to the crib afterward.
Sleeping with an infant in an adult bed or on a couch can be very dangerous for babies.
There are many opportunities for bonding throughout the day—during feeding, holding, and play.
When it comes to sleep, the safest place for a baby is their own sleep space.
You may even sleep better knowing your baby is sleeping safely.
Just because people do it doesn’t mean it is recommended.
Babies are more likely to suffocate when sleeping with an adult or another child.
In North Carolina, most sleep-related infant deaths occur when babies are sharing a sleep surface with an adult.
Sleep positioners should not be used because they increase the risk of suffocation.
Watch a short explanation:
https://youtu.be/3xvdPpKJoMc
Many parents use slings, wraps, or carriers. These can be used safely if precautions are taken.
Important safety tips:
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The baby’s face must always be visible and uncovered
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Nothing (fabric, clothing, or body) should block the baby’s breathing
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Babies should be high enough to easily kiss
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The baby’s neck must be supported
The baby’s head should be turned to the side and never slumped down or tilted back.
Learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDcuIeKH_Rk
Yes.
The Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper was recalled after reports of infant deaths.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million sleepers following reports that infants died while using the product.
Some babies rolled over while unrestrained, while others were unable to breathe because of their position.
More information:
https://www.aappublications.org/news/2019/04/12/rocknplayrecall041219
Consumer Reports investigation:
https://www.consumerreports.org/recalls/fisher-price-rock-n-play-sleeper-should-be-recalled-consumer-reports-says/
To request a refund:
http://bit.ly/RockNPlayRecall
Phone: 866-812-6518
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep:
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on their back
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on a flat, firm sleep surface
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without bumpers, bedding, or toys
No. Each baby should have their own sleep surface.
This means twins should sleep in separate cribs, bassinets, or portable cribs.
Putting two babies together in one crib increases the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
Twins are also more likely to be premature or have low birth weight, which increases sleep-related risks.
Safe Sleep Recommendations for Twins
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Separate cribs: each baby should sleep in their own crib or bassinet
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Back is best: babies should always sleep on their backs
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Firm and flat: use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet
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No soft bedding: no blankets, pillows, toys, or bumper pads
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Prevent overheating: avoid hats, blankets, or extra clothing
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Smoke-free environment: parental smoking increases SIDS risk
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Breastfeeding: reduces SIDS risk
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No bed-sharing: do not sleep with babies
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Offer a pacifier once breastfeeding is established
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Room share: babies can sleep in the same room as parents for the first 6–12 months
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Vaccinate: vaccines are associated with reduced SIDS risk
