Safe Sleep

When a baby sleeps safely, it’s easy for them to breathe.

Babies are still developing the strength and reflexes that help keep their airways open. Safe sleep environments help protect your baby’s breathing while they sleep.

The key idea is simple:

Easy to breathe = Safe to sleep.

Remember ABC Safe Sleep.

ABC SAFE SLEEP

A — Airway

Protect your baby’s airway so they can breathe easily.

Babies sleep safely when:

✔ their face is clear and uncovered

✔ their head and neck stay in a neutral position

✔ nothing presses on their chest or tummy

Because babies are still developing the ability to move if their breathing becomes blocked, caregivers play an important role in protecting their airway during sleep.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR BABY’S AIRWAY

B — Back

Always place your baby on their back for every sleep.

Sleeping on the back helps keep the airway open and supports a baby’s natural waking reflex if breathing becomes difficult.

Start every sleep on the back — for both day and night sleep.

Avoid letting babies sleep in:

· rockers

· propped positions

· pillows

· inclined loungers or seats

These positions can cause the head to fall forward and block the airway.

C — Close & Clear

Keep your baby close to you and in a clear sleep space.

Sleep your baby in your room for the first 6–12 months.

Being close helps you respond quickly and supports your baby’s breathing and arousal reflexes.

A safe sleep space should be:

✔ firm and flat

✔ free of pillows, toys and bumpers

✔ clear of soft bedding or nests

A clear sleep space helps keep your baby’s airway open while they sleep.

WHY SAFE SLEEP MATTERS

Most sudden and unexpected infant deaths occur when sleep environments contain hazards that interfere with a baby’s breathing.

Researchers often explain these deaths using something called the Triple Risk Model.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRIPLE RISK MODEL HERE

THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PARENTS

We cannot always control a baby’s vulnerability or stage of development.

But we can control the sleep environment.

By creating safe sleep environments that protect your baby’s airway and support easy breathing, families can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death.

That’s why remembering ABC Safe Sleep is so important.

ADDITIONAL SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES

Keep your baby smokefree

Exposure to cigarette smoke, vaping or marijuana smoke affects the reflexes babies use to wake and respond if breathing becomes difficult.

Keep your baby’s environment completely smoke-free before and after birth.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OTHER COMMON INFANT CARE PRACTICES

Breastfeeding supports safer sleep

Breastfeeding provides many health benefits and is associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death.

Breastfed babies tend to wake more easily and respond faster to breathing challenges.

Any breastfeeding is beneficial.