Safe Sleep Environment Checklist

Place baby on their back for every sleep

Back sleeping is the safest position and reduces SIDS risk by up to 50%. This applies to every nap and every night sleep.

Never put baby to sleep on their tummy or side

Side positioning is also unsafe — babies can roll to their tummy. Ask caregivers and grandparents to follow the same rule.

Use a firm, flat sleep surface

A firm crib mattress with a tight-fitting sheet is safest. No inclined sleep devices (swings, bouncy seats, car seats, nursing pillows) for regular sleep.

Sleep surface has no incline (less than 10°)

The AAP advises against any inclined product for infant sleep after multiple infant deaths linked to inclined sleepers. Only place baby in these devices for supervised, awake time.

Crib/bassinet meets current CPSC safety standards

Ensure the crib has slats no more than 2⅜ inches apart, no cutouts in the headboard, and no soft or padded sides. Check CPSC.gov for recalled products.

Baby sleeps in their own crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play

Never share a bed with your baby. Bed sharing substantially raises the risk of accidental suffocation and SIDS, especially with soft bedding, or if parents are smokers, on medication, or extremely tired.

No loose blankets, pillows, or bumpers in the sleep space

Soft objects and loose bedding are a leading cause of sleep-related infant deaths. Use a wearable blanket or sleep sack instead of loose blankets.

No soft toys or stuffed animals in crib

Keep the sleep surface clear. These items pose a suffocation risk. Mobiles above the crib are okay as long as they're out of reach and removed once baby can sit up.

Room share (not bed share) for at least 6 months

Having baby sleep in your room on a separate surface reduces SIDS risk by up to 50%. The AAP recommends room sharing, ideally for up to 1 year.

Room temperature is between 68–72°F (20–22°C)

Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. Keep the room comfortably cool. Dress baby in one more layer than you'd wear, and check for sweat on the back of the neck.

Baby is not overdressed or overheated

Feel the back of your baby's neck or tummy to check for warmth. Flushed cheeks or sweating are signs of overheating. Use a lightweight sleep sack appropriate for the room temperature.

No smoking around baby (before or after birth)

Exposure to cigarette smoke is one of the strongest risk factors for SIDS. This includes secondhand smoke — don't allow smoking in your home or car.

Offer a pacifier at sleep time (after breastfeeding is established)

Pacifier use at bedtime and naptime is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. If breastfeeding, wait until 3–4 weeks so supply is well established. Don't force it if baby refuses.

Not using car seat, swing, or bouncer for regular sleep

Semi-reclined positions can cause positional asphyxiation in young infants. These devices are fine for supervised, awake time but move baby to a flat sleep surface when sleepy.

Supervised tummy time when baby is awake

Tummy time builds neck and shoulder strength and prevents flat head syndrome. Aim for 30 minutes total per day, spread across multiple short sessions. Always supervise and never leave baby on their tummy unattended.