Guidelines exist for putting an infant to sleep to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Following these guidelines can prevent the occurrence of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, the sudden death of a healthy infant, typically during sleep. The majority of SIDS cases tragically take place when the babies are 2 to 4 months of age; it is the leading cause of death in the first year. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one in five of SIDS cases happens when the infant is with a caregiver other than her parent and is placed on her tummy to sleep, rather than her back. Be sure your infant’s caregiver follows these steps for a safe night of slumber.
Step 1
Place your infant on his back for sleep, whether it is nap time or nighttime. Placing an infant on his side can make it easier for him to roll onto his stomach as he is sleeping, putting him at risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Step 2
Choose only crib mattresses that are approved through the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). JPMA offers a voluntary certification for crib mattresses and other juvenile products that have been designed and built to meet all safety regulations. Never put an infant to sleep in a waterbed, sofa, adult bed or other cushiony surface.
Step 3
Remove all stuffed animals, pillows, quilts and other toys from the crib. Do not cover the baby’s head with a blanket. If the infant must be covered, use a lightweight blanket and tuck in at the sides and bottom of the crib mattress. The top of the blanket should only go as high as the infant’s underarms. Excess bedding, wedges and other objects in the sleeping area could impair the ability of your baby to breathe.
Step 4
Keep your baby cool and the air smoke-free. Maintain a room temperature that feels comfortable to an adult wearing lightweight clothing. Check your infant for overheating by looking for signs such as sweating, damp skin or hair, and rapid breathing. Infants should always be put to sleep in a smoke-free environment.
Step 5
Keep the infant within arm's reach. Place the baby’s crib in your room, especially in the first few months. According to the Mayo Clinic, babies who slept in the same room as their parents had a lower incidence of SIDS. However, the baby should not be placed in the parent’s bed.
