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Learning About Safe Sleep for Babies

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Following safe sleep guidelines can help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the death of a baby younger than 1 year with no known cause. Talk about safe sleep with anyone who spends time with your baby. Explain in detail what you expect the person to do.

Always put your baby to sleep on their back.

Place your baby on a firm, flat surface to sleep. The safest place for a baby is in a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets safety standards.

Put your baby to sleep alone in the crib.

Keep soft items (like blankets, stuffed animals, and pillows) and loose bedding out of the crib. They could block your baby's mouth or trap your baby.

Don't use sleep positioners, bumper pads, or other products that attach to the crib. They could block your baby's mouth or trap your baby.

Do not place your baby in a car seat, sling, swing, bouncer, or stroller to sleep.

Have your baby sleep in the same room as you (in their own separate sleep space) for at least the first 6 months—and for the first year, if you can. Don't sleep with your baby. This includes in your bed or on a couch or chair.

Keep the room at a comfortable temperature so that your baby can sleep in lightweight clothes without a blanket.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter E820 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Safe Sleep for Babies".

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.