Tips For Parents and Caregivers: Help Your Baby Survive and Thrive

By following these 10 simple steps, parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of SIDS and accidental infant deaths:

• 1. Always place babies on their BACK at nap and nighttime. Side and tummy sleep positions are not safe choices.
• 2. Do not fall asleep with a baby in an adult bed or on a sofa. Bring them in bed to feed and bond, but when it's time to fall asleep, place them alongside your bed in a separate, safe sleep area.
• 3. You should not smoke while you are pregnant and babies should not be exposed to second-hand smoke after they are born.
• 4. For sleep, use a safety-approved crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress, covered by only a sheet.
• 5. Do not place babies to sleep on soft surfaces (quilts, sheepskins, waterbeds, sofas, adult beds).
• 6. Do not use loose blankets in a baby's crib. Use a wearable blanket or other type sleeper to keep baby warm AND safe during sleep.
• 7. Remove all soft bedding and other soft items from the crib (including soft or pillow-like bumpers) before placing the baby to sleep.
• 8. Take care not to overheat babies with too much clothing. Keep room temperature between 68 - 72F.
• 9. Use a pacifier at nap and nighttime for the first year.
• 10. Educate everyone you know who cares for babies about these important safety tips.