As new research continues to emerge, parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, and others have made strides towards reducing preventable infant deaths in recent years. Many small steps can make a big impact regarding an infant’s safety.

Place Baby on Their Back to Sleep

All babies – even preterm and those with reflux – need to be placed on their backs to sleep until 1 year of age. It is not safe to place a baby on their stomach for sleep. However, once a baby can roll from back to stomach and then stomach to back on their own, you may leave them in the position that they choose, but it is important that you start their sleep by laying them down on their back initially until they are 1 year of age.

Flat, Firm Surface with Only a Fitted Sheet or Cover

Babies need a flat, firm surface to sleep on. Examples of this include a crib, bassinet, or portable sleep area. Additionally, inclined or tilted surfaces are not safe for babies as they can cause slumping of their head and body, which could block their airway and breathing – this is called positional asphyxiation. Examples of inclined or tilted surfaces include infant swings or using a car seat or infant carrier for naps. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat or infant carrier, move them to a safe sleep space as soon as possible once you are out of a vehicle. When taking a long road trip, make frequent stops to get baby out to “stretch” and move around.

Place Baby to Sleep Alone

Items such as stuffed toys, pillows, blankets, crib bumpers, positioners, weighted blankets, and weighted swaddles can pose dangers for a baby. Use only a fitted crib sheet or covering for a baby’s sleep surface. Babies can be swaddled, but once they begin to roll over utilize a non-weighted sleep sack to keep them warm and safe at the same time.

Smoke & Vape Free Environment

Secondhand smoke can increase health concerns for babies and young children. Stay smoke free during pregnancy, as well as in spaces shared with a baby.

Be Aware of Hazardous Materials

Normal household items can be dangerous for a baby with exposure or ingestion. Prevent accidental poisoning by storing medicines and cleaning products safely, locking up alcohol, being aware of lead paint products, childproofing your home, and generally being aware of the items in your home and if they are poisonous or dangerous to children. Keep the Poison Control number and your pediatrician’s number easily accessible.

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Water Safety

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5. Water doesn’t have to be deep to be dangerous. Start with the basics.

• Always stay within arm’s reach when in or near water.
• Never leave infants near water in the care of other young children.
• Check water temperature.
• Keep toilet lids down and bathroom doors closed.
• Never leave a full open-top water container unattended.
• Secure swimming pools.
• Learn CPR techniques for use in the event of an emergency.

Healthcare Provider Advice & Checkups

Pediatricians have the most current information about growth and development, as well as other health information for baby. Make sure to schedule well checkups with your baby’s pediatrician, follow recommendations of your healthcare provider, and ask questions if you have any concerns in relation to your baby’s health and wellbeing.