Steps to Safe Sleep

Learn the steps to Safe Sleep!

These steps aren’t always as simple as they sound. Talk to a doctor or nurse for help. Not sure about a step? Find out why each one matters.

Steps to Safe Sleep!

Babies should always sleep on their backs, not their tummies or sides EVERY time they sleep: naptime and bedtime. Find out why.

Babies should always sleep on their backs, not their tummies or sides EVERY time they sleep: naptime and bedtime.

Parents sometimes worry about babies choking while sleeping on their backs. Sometimes they put things in the bed to keep the baby on his or her side, or they think that stomach sleeping must be safer. Babies who sleep on their backs are actually less likely to choke on their spit-up (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022). They may be able to swallow fluids (like saliva or spit-up) better in this position because of the way their body is built. Parents are not putting babies in danger when they lay them on their back to sleep – in fact, they are making a choice to better protect them! Learn more by watching this video.

Babies should sleep alone, in their own sleep space, not together with an adult, another child, or pet. Find out why.

Babies should sleep alone, in their own sleep space, not together with an adult, another child, or pet.

We tend to move around when we sleep at every age. When babies sleep with an adult or another child, that person could accidentally roll over and suffocate the baby. And a baby can get stuck or wedged between the bed and the wall, furniture, or other objects, which can cause injuries and limit breathing.

Babies should sleep in an empty, safety-approved crib with a firm mattress and a tightly fitted sheet, or a Pack ‘n Play with a firm base. Never place a baby to sleep on a couch, sofa, or recliner. Don’t put pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, or blankets in with baby.

When babies sleep with soft stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, or on soft surfaces like couches and quilts, they can suffocate. Babies can’t reliably push things away from their faces.

Babies should sleep where their caregiver can see and hear them. Share a room with your baby if you can. Find out why

Babies should sleep where their caregiver can see and hear them. Share a room with your baby if you can.

Experts have found that having babies sleep in their parents’ room on a separate firm surface (e.g., not in the bed) may cut the risk of sleep-related death by half (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2025).

Babies’ sleep spaces should be away from windows with cords that hang down from curtains and blinds. Find out why.

Babies’ sleep spaces should be away from windows with cords that hang down from curtains and blinds.

Babies can easily get tangled in cords and choke.

Babies can lay or cuddle with you to breastfeed and bond, but when it’s time to fall asleep, or if you get drowsy, return them to their OWN sleep space. Find out why.

Babies can lay or cuddle with you to breastfeed and bond, but when it’s time to fall asleep, or if you get drowsy, return them to their OWN sleep space.

When babies sleep with an adult or another child, that person could accidentally roll over and suffocate the baby. Or, a baby can get stuck and wedged between the bed, the wall, furniture, or other objects, which can cause injuries and limit breathing.

Babies should sleep in smoke-free homes, both where they live and where they visit. If you can, make it a rule that your home is smoke-free. Find out why.

Babies should sleep in smoke-free homes, both where they live and where they visit. If you can, make it a rule that your home is smoke-free.

Smoking during pregnancy and smoking where a baby lives and sleeps greatly increases their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019).

Babies should sleep in a room at a comfortable temperature to prevent overheating. Keep the room temperature at what would be comfortable for a lightly dressed adult. If the room is cold, dress the baby in a wearable blanket (infant sleep sack) or extra layer of clothing. Find out why.

Being hot is not comfortable for babies, and it can be risky. Under most conditions, a baby only needs one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the environment (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022). If the room gets cold, dress them in a wearable blanket (infant sleep sack) or an extra layer of clothing. You can check for signs of overheating, such as sweating, flushed skin, or a hot chest.

If you can – breastfeed! Breastfed babies have a lower risk of sleep-related death. If you need help with breastfeeding, visit LouisianaBreastfeeding.org/Resources to search for support by zip code. Find out why.

Breastfeeding is proven to reduce babies’ risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by 50% (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022). Plus, breastfeeding has a lot of other great health benefits for moms and babies.

Car seats, swings, and other furniture were not made for routine, extended sleep for a baby. Don’t let the baby sleep in these devices for too long, and make sure you’re keeping a close watch while they do.

These devices are not made to hold a baby’s head in a safe position, and the baby’s head could fall forward, constricting their airway. A baby sleeping in one of these devices should be moved to a firm sleep surface as soon as possible.

When swaddling (wrapping a light blanket snugly around a baby), make sure the blanket is not too tight – you should be able to fit your hand between your baby and the light blanket, and make sure to place your baby into their crib, bassinet, or Pack N’ Play, on their back. Find out why.

If the swaddle is too tight, it may be hard for your baby to breathe or move their hips. Swaddled babies can’t use their arms to get into different positions or lift their neck and head. Once your baby begins to roll (usually around three to four months, but it can be earlier), you should stop swaddling, because your baby could roll over and get stuck in a position that restricts their breathing. Click here for more information.

When looking for a daycare/child care center, ask questions – especially about their safe sleep policy! Every child care center and family home daycare should have a written policy. Click here for a printable list of questions to ask the manager. Find out why.

When looking for a daycare/childcare center, ask questions – especially about their safe sleep policy! Every childcare center and family home daycare should have a written policy. Click here for a printable list of questions to ask the manager.

It’s important that everyone who is a part of your baby’s life knows the steps to keep your baby safe while sleeping. Having a written safe sleep policy gets everyone on the same page and lets you know if a daycare is providing care for your baby in the ways you’d like.

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Share these important safety tips with EVERYONE you know who cares for and about babies! Download and print the checklist here.

Try to check off as many items as possible.

Safe Sleep Videos

Help Baby Sleep Safe Wherever You Go

In the event of an Evacuation Order, or even a visit with friends and family, bring along a Pack n’ Play portable play pen. This will make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep WHEREVER you are.

Learn More

Helpful Resources

Visit our RESOURCES page to learn more about safe sleep!

View Resources

Safe Sleep Videos

Help Baby Sleep Safe Wherever You Go

In the event of an Evacuation Order, or even a visit with friends and family, bring along a Pack n’ Play portable play pen. This will make sure your baby has a safe place to sleep WHEREVER you are.

Learn More

Helpful Resources

Visit our RESOURCES page to learn more about safe sleep!

View Resources

Learn the steps to Safe Sleep!

Safe Sleep Videos

Help Baby Sleep Safe Wherever You Go

Helpful Resources

Safe Sleep Videos

Help Baby Sleep Safe Wherever You Go

Helpful Resources

Spread the Word. Download Safe Sleep Materials.