Safe sleep

At home

SIDS and suffocation during sleep can largely be prevented by following safe sleep rules, for every nap and every night, until age 1.

What to do

1. Alone: in their own approved crib, bassinet or play yard (pack and play), with nothing else inside.
2. On the back, for every nap and every night.
3. Firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet. Nothing inclined.
4. Share the room, not the bed: crib near your bed, ideally for the first 6 months.
5. Use sleep clothing or a wearable blanket (sleep sack) instead of blankets. Don't let the baby get too hot.
6. You can offer a pacifier at sleep time. Breastfeeding also protects the baby.
7. If the baby falls asleep in a car seat, swing, carrier or couch, move them to the crib as soon as you can.
8. Stop swaddling when the baby starts trying to roll over. If the baby rolls both ways on their own, you can leave them that way.
9. Tummy time only while awake and supervised.

What not to do

• Don't sleep with the baby in your bed, or on a couch or armchair. It's even more dangerous if you are very tired, have had alcohol or drowsy medicines, or smoke.
• No pillows, blankets, crib bumpers, stuffed animals or positioners.
• Don't use inclined sleepers, and don't let the baby sleep in a car seat outside the car.
• Don't smoke or vape near the baby.
• Don't overdress the baby or cover the head for sleep indoors.