Safe Sleep Steps

1. Baby should sleep alone in a crib, portable crib, bassinet or play yard with only a firm mattress and tightly fitted sheet for every sleep time. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.

    

2. Always place baby on the back to sleep. Once baby can roll from back to stomach and from stomach to back, he or she can be allowed to remain in the sleep position that he or she chooses.

    

3. No pillows, blankets, comforters, stuffed animals or other soft things should be in the sleep area.

    

4. Avoid covering baby’s head or overheating. Dress the baby in as much or as little clothing as you are wearing. Instead of a blanket for sleeping, consider using a sleep sack, wearable blanket or footed sleeper to keep baby warm.

    

5. Don't allow anyone to smoke around the baby.

    

6. Consider offering your baby a pacifier at naptime and bedtime.

    

Please share this information with all family, friends, and other child care providers who may care for your baby to ensure they follow the safe sleep steps. 

WARNING! 

Babies are dying because they are put to sleep in places that are not safe. Babies always need a safe sleep place. Parents whose babies have died want other parents to know: 

• Babies are not safe sleeping on a couch, pillow or anything soft. 

• Babies are not safe sleeping with other children, adults or pets. 

• Babies are not safe sleeping in adult beds. If you feed your baby in bed, put your baby back into his/her crib to sleep.

• Babies are not safe sleeping in infant seats, such as bouncy seats, rocker seats or swings.

• Babies are not safe sleeping in infant sleepers, sometimes called an inclined sleeper, newborn lounger or infant napper. Despite the name, these products are not safe for sleep because they allow baby to sleep on an incline.

Learn why these products are not safe for sleep.

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Safe Sleep Checklist

Ask these questions to determine if a product is safe for sleep.

Tummy Time 

When babies are awake, they occasionally need to be on their tummy, but only if someone is watching. If the baby falls asleep on his/her tummy, place the baby on his/her back to sleep in a safe sleep place.

For more information on Infant Safe Sleep, view the AAP Healthy Children website for tummy time. 

 

 

Keeping Healthy 

It is important that you and your baby are healthy.

• When you are pregnant, you should receive regular prenatal care. If you need help finding a doctor, go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_2943_52115---,00.html.

• Your baby should be immunized as recommended by your baby’s doctor. For more information on immunizations, go to www.michigan.gov/immunize.

• You should avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth. If you plan to use alcohol and other substances after birth, you should have someone else care for your baby.

• Breastfeeding is recommended. Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for baby, builds the immune system and promotes bonding, as well as many other health benefits for you and your baby. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of sleep-related infant death. Learn more about breastfeeding by reviewing Your Guide to Breastfeeding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.