Safe Sleep Recommendations

Place baby on his or her back to sleep for naps and at night.

Stomach or side sleeping increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

For more information, visit:

• safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/back-sleeping

Reaching our Brothers Everywhere (ROBE) Back to Sleep video:
youtube.com/watch?v=E3aU4qzLolQ

This video includes narration a father’s perspective on safe sleep.

Use a firm, flat, and level sleep surface, covered only by a fitted sheet.

Baby’s sleep surface and the space should meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards. 

For more information visit:

• safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/safe-sleep-environment
• cdc.gov/sids/Parents-Caregivers.htm#video
• cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/kids-and-babies/cribs
• Safe Sleep For Your Baby -- 60 Seconds - YouTube

Feed baby human milk, like by breastfeeding. 

Feeding your baby only breastmilk for the first 6 months provides the greatest protection from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• 15 second English and Spanish .MP4 (ZIP File)
• 30 second English and Spanish .MP4 (ZIP File)

Safe Infant Sleep Social Media Toolkit | Texas DSHS.

Texas Lactation Support Directory from breastmilkcounts.com:  

• breastmilkcounts.com/get-help/lactation-consultants

Give baby his or her own sleep space in your room, close to - but separate -from your bed. 

Keeping your baby close to you allows you to watch and respond to your baby’s needs right away.

• 15 second English .MP4 (ZIP File)
• 30 second English .MP4 (ZIP File)
• Safe Sleep (aap.org)
• Safe Sleep (aap.org)

Keep baby’s sleep area clear of objects. 

Soft objects, bedding, and items in the crib can stop your baby from breathing and cause death.

• Safe to Sleep Interactive Room i National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• Infant Safe Sleep Practices | Safe Sleep New Mexico (safesleepnm.org)

Offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime is recommended to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

Sucking, either during breastfeeding or when using a pacifier during sleep, may help keep your baby from sleeping too deeply.

• safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/modules/custom/sts_interactive_room/html/index.html
• safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce

Keep baby’s surroundings smoke- and vape-free during pregnancy and after birth. 

Do not let babies share a bed with adult smokers or vape users. This greatly increases the chance of death.

• safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce

Texas DSHS Tobacco Control and Prevention Resources:

• Tobacco and My Baby;
• Information on Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping; and
• YesQuit.org and hotline 1-877-YES-QUIT.

Avoid alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drug use during pregnancy, and after birth. 

Babies exposed to alcohol and drugs during pregnancy and after birth may have a harder time waking up when they need help.

• cdc.gov/sids/Parents-Caregivers.htm
• cdc.gov/sids/Parents-Caregivers.htm#video

Keep your baby from getting too hot and keep baby’s head and face uncovered during sleep. 

If your baby gets too hot, your baby may have trouble waking up and getting oxygen.

• safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce

Find a doctor as soon as you know you are pregnant and get regular medical care throughout pregnancy. 

Your doctor will keep you updated on important health and safety topics for you and your baby.

• safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce
• breastmilkcounts.com/get-help/belly-to-baby-newsletter/
• texaswic.org/health-nutrition/women/pregnancy
• texaswic.org/about-wic/meet-wic-moms

Follow health care provider advice on shots, check-ups, and other health concerns for your baby. 

Vaccines help babies stay healthy, which may protect them from SIDS.

• aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/
• dshs.texas.gov/immunization-unit/guidance-resources-parents-immunizations/infant-immunizations

Texas DSHS Publications:

• Information for Parents of Newborns (English/Spanish)
• A Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy Children (English/Spanish)

Avoid heart, breathing, motion, and other monitors as your main way to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

These types of monitors are not effective at detecting or preventing SIDS.

• safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce

Offer your baby supervised tummy time each day while awake. 

Tummy time strengthens the muscles that help support your baby’s head and may prevent flat spots on the back of your baby's head.

• healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx

Avoid products or devices* that claim to “prevent SIDS” or those that do not meet the federal safety standards. 

*Some examples of products and devices to avoid include wedges, positioners, inclined sleepers, and others that claim to “prevent SIDS” and sleep-related deaths.

Avoid swaddling once baby starts to roll over, and keep in mind that swaddling does not reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk. 

If your baby is placed on the stomach or rolls onto his or her stomach while swaddled, the risk of death is higher.

• healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx