Practice Safe Sleep

In Colorado, about 50* infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year while they sleep, sometimes called Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUID). Most of these sleep-related infant deaths are preventable. One of the main causes for SUID is accidental suffocation while an infant is sleeping in an unsafe environment, such as the couch or the caregiver’s bed. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take simple actions to reduce the risk of SUID and help babies sleep safely.

Remember, in addition to practicing safe sleep at home, it is important for everyone who cares for your baby to practice safe sleep. This includes grandparents, family members, friends, neighbors, babysitters, and your child care provider.

The ABC’s of Safe Sleep

Practice the ABC’s of safe sleep everywhere your baby goes. Infants should be sleeping ALONE, on their BACK, in a CRIB. More tips to practice safe sleep:

• The only things that should be present in a crib are a firm mattress, a fitted sheet and a sleeping baby. Bumpers, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, bibs and clip-on pacifiers are unsafe for sleep and not allowed in the crib.
• Infants need tummy time while awake to strengthen their neck muscles. Always supervise infants during tummy time.
• If an infant falls asleep anywhere except in a crib, they must immediately be placed on their back in the crib, even if they are old enough to roll over on their own.
• Instead of sleeping blankets, infants should sleep in sleep sacks that do not confine their arms.
• Keep rooms at a temperature comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. Check infants to ensure they are not overheated or sweaty.