Safe Sleep Background

Stuffed animals can be dangerous, a baby could roll over onto the stuffed animal covering their face and cause suffocation or a baby could become entangled in the object and cause strangulation, all stuffed animals should be removed from the sleep space. Do not place anything in the crib with baby besides a firm mattress and tight-fitted sheet.

Back is best! Babies who sleep on their backs breathe easier and are less likely to suffocate or choke. Place your baby on their back to sleep for the first year of life.

Blankets are dangerous, a baby could cover their face or roll over onto blanket causing suffocation or strangulation. Do not place anything in the crib with baby besides a firm mattress and tight-fitted sheet. Consider using a "sleep sack" instead of blankets to keep your baby warm. Remember to dress the baby not the bed.

Bumper pads are dangerous due to suffocation, baby may position themselves against the pads and be unable to move or become trapped between the mattress and bumper pads. Do not place anything in the crib with baby besides a firm mattress and tight-fitted sheet.

Space heaters are dangerous due to fire hazard; they can also make the room too warm. The ideal room temperature for babies to sleep is between 68 and 72 degrees. Do not place crib/portable near any heating source such as a space heater, a fireplace, or a heat vent.

Loose curtains and cords from window blinds are dangerous and create a risk for strangulation. Do not place crib/portable crib near windows, blinds, or loose curtains.

Babies are curious and could easily grab and ingest the pills next to the crib. All medications should be place out of sight and out of reach of all children. Do not place pills or medications near a crib/portable crib due to poisoning and/or choking hazards.

Pillows can be dangerous due to suffocation, a baby could turn or roll over and their face could be covered by the pillow causing suffocation. A pillow should never be used for a baby as a positioner and should never be in a crib. Do not place anything in the crib with baby besides a firm mattress and tight-fitted sheet. To decrease risk of baby developing plagiocephaly, or "flat head," practice supervised tummy time while baby is awake.

Bottles, especially when filled, are dangerous due to choking, suffocation and asphyxiation. Babies should always be supervised during feedings. Do not place anything in the crib with baby besides a firm mattress and tight-fitted sheet.

Outlets are dangerous due to fire hazard and electrocution. Do not place crib/portable crib near outlets to prevent an older infant from playing with or putting something into the outlet.