Safe Sleep and Your New Baby

First published May 2015
Updated October 2025

New parents are often overwhelmed with the amount of information and opinions on baby gear. Isn’t it amazing how such little people have so much stuff?

It is important for parents to know the hazards of babies sleeping in swings, slings, bouncers and infant carriers, as they are at risk of death by asphyxiation (accidental suffocation or strangling).

Appropriate Use of Infant Seats and Carriers

A baby properly fastened in an appropriately installed car seat is at very low risk of strangulation or asphyxiation. The problem occurs when the straps are not properly fastened and the baby moves out of position or gets strangled on the straps, or the infant carrier is taken out of the car and placed on a soft surface and the carrier tips over, resulting in suffocation.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a report in 2024 that said injuries and deaths associated with nursery products persist, even after years of safe sleep education in the public domain. Babies who died in slings, for example, either suffocated because they were curled up with their chins against their chests, obstructing the airway, or because their airways were against the sling material or the body of the person wearing the carrier.

Between 2019 and 2021 there were 523 deaths associated with nursery products among children who were younger than five years. Three out of every four of these deaths were associated with cribs, mattresses, bassinets, playpens, inclined infant sleep products and infant carriers.

Tips for Safely Using Infant Seats and Carriers

Slings, swings, bouncers, infant carriers and strollers are all very helpful to parents. By remembering a few key points, they can be used safely.

• Always use the product as directed.
• Use them only under close supervision (the baby should not be covered up or left alone in any of these carriers).
• If you are using an item from a previous child or passed on from a friend, check the CPSC recall list to make sure that product hasn’t been recalled.
• Follow the directions every time the soft carrier, sling, wrap, car seat or other item is in use.
• Make sure the baby’s face is up and visible, with the nose and mouth free.
• Never lay the baby in the bed while still in a carrier. The baby should be removed from the carrier and placed on his or her back in the crib.
• If you are using a sling, the baby should be “visible and kissable” at all times to prevent suffocation.

The most important way to keep your baby safe is remember that when it is time for sleep, they should be in their beds — not in any type of carrier. Caregivers should always remember the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, on his or her Back in an empty Crib.

By following these tips and being vigilant, you can ensure a safe transport and sleeping experience for your child.