Safe Sleep / SIDS

The scene repeats itself in homes and neighborhoods everywhere. Parents bring home their newborn bundle of joy, excited but exhausted, wondering how to keep their babies safe through the night.

Parents may be tempted to rely on family tradition or hand-me-down wisdom to decide where their babies sleep. But there are evidence-based practices that can help create a secure sleep setup that actually works in practice.

Bed-sharing is Dangerous
When babies share a bed with mom and dad, it puts them at risk for suffocation and sudden unexpected infant death. This can happen if an adult rolls over onto the baby, or if a soft object such a pillow, blanket, sheet, or the mattress blocks the baby’s airway. Do not fall asleep with your baby in your bed or in any other place while you are holding your baby, such as on a sofa or recliner. Do not cover your baby with a loose blanket. Instead, dress your baby in a sleeper appropriate for the room temperature.

The Alternative: Room-Sharing
If you want to keep your baby close to you, try room-sharing. Place the bassinet or crib by your bed. This way, your baby can sleep safely in their own safe sleep area, and you can sleep better knowing your baby is near. Keep your baby’s sleep area in the same room where you sleep until your baby is at least 6 months old.

On Their Back is Best
Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—naps and at night.
Use a firm, flat (not at an angle or inclined) sleep surface. For example, a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet. A bassinet or portable crib will work too.

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death
When an infant under the age of one year dies suddenly and unexpectedly, it is called sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).

Some of these deaths may be caused by suffocation, asphyxia, infection, metabolic diseases, heart problems, injuries, or other reasons. In some cases, the death is considered to be from an undetermined cause.

Sudden unexpected infant deaths often happen during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area. You can help prevent that by following the ABCs of safe sleep.

ABCs of Safe Sleep for Babies
Your baby should sleep…

ALONE — Adult beds are dangerous for babies. Your baby can get trapped between the bed, wall, or bedframe, and be unable to breathe. They can suffocate in bed when another child or adult rolls over or onto them. Put them in a baby-safe bed or a crib beside your bed. Your baby will know you’re nearby.

On their BACK — Reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risks.

Put your baby to bed on their back. Make sure to instruct anyone caring for your baby about baby-safe places for sleeping and that they must put your baby to sleep on their back.

In a CRIB — Your baby is safest sleeping:
On a firm mattress in a baby-safe crib approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
On crib sheets that fit tightly over the mattress.
With no loose blankets, quilts, sheets, or comforters.

With no pillows, soft toys, stuffed animals, or bumpers.

Dressed in a sleeper appropriate for the room’s temperature. Don’t let your baby get overheated. Keep the room temperature comfortable for a lightly-clothed adult.

FLORIDA HEALTH

Resources:
Florida Department of Health Infant Safe Sleep Webpage
floridahealth.gov/individual-family-health/child-infant-youth/
safe-sleeping-environment
Safe Sleep ABCs Flyer
floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ABCSafeSleep.pdf
Better Sleep for You & Your Baby — English
floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/better_sleep.pdf
Better Sleep for You & Your Baby — Spanish
floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/better_sleep_SP.pdf
Better Sleep for You & Your Baby — Creole
floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/better_sleep_
CRE.pdf