Safe Sleep Checklist for Babies

1. 1. Back to sleep, every time

   Place baby on the back for every sleep, naps and night, until their first birthday. Once baby can roll both ways on their own, you can let them find their own position.

2. 2. Firm, flat sleep surface

   Use a firm, flat, level surface like a crib, bassinet, or play yard that meets current safety standards. Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet made for it and nothing else.

3. 3. Nothing loose in the sleep space

   Keep pillows, blankets, quilts, bumpers, sleep positioners, and stuffed animals out of the sleep area. A bare space is the safest space.

4. 4. Share the room, not the bed

   Room sharing without bed sharing is recommended for at least the first six months. Keep baby's sleep surface close to your bed but separate.

5. 5. Dress for warmth without covers

   Use a wearable blanket or sleep sack instead of loose bedding. Aim for a comfortable room temperature and one light layer more than you are wearing. Skip hats indoors during sleep to avoid overheating.

6. 6. Offer a pacifier at sleep time

   A pacifier at nap and bedtime is linked to lower risk. If baby refuses or it falls out during sleep, that is okay.

7. 7. Smoke free, always

   Keep baby's air free of smoke and vapor, before birth and after. This includes the car and any room baby is in.

8. 8. Skip inclined sleepers and loungers

   Inclined sleepers, in bed loungers, and couches or armchairs are not safe for sleep. Move baby to a flat, firm sleep space every time.

9. 9. Breastfeeding and safe feeding

   If breastfeeding works for your family, any amount is linked to lower risk. If you feed in bed, move baby back to their own sleep space after.

10. 10. Tummy time while awake

    Supervised tummy time while baby is awake helps neck and shoulder strength. Sleep still happens on the back.

These points reflect current American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidance. Every baby and every family is different. For anything medical, feeding, weight, illness, or breathing related, please check with your pediatrician.