Cooler Weather Safe Sleep Practices for Infants

As temperatures begin to drop and families prepare for colder months ahead, here is guidance to help parents and caregivers keep infants safe during sleep.

Infants under 12 months should always be placed alone, on their backs, and in a crib,

bassinet or portable playpen with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. That means no blankets, bumpers, toys or pillows should be inside the sleep environment, even when it is cooler outside. Sharing a room (but not a bed) with a baby for at least the first six months is also recommended.

Tips to keep babies warm without compromising safety:

• Dress infants in no more than one additional layer than an adult would wear in the same environment. No hats at bedtime.
• Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket but make sure their arms are free if they are starting to roll.
• Watch for signs of overheating like flushed cheeks, sweating, irritability or other symptoms.

Cooler weather also brings an uptick in respiratory illnesses like RSV, flu and COVID-19. These infections can increase the risk of infant death, especially when combined with unsafe sleep environments. Families should always consult their child’s pediatrician with any questions or concerns about a child’s health and to discuss vaccines. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends RSV, flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help protect babies from serious illness and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology also encourages prenatal vaccination, including Tdap, to help protect newborns from preventable infections.

Whether someone is a new parent, grandparent, or caregiver, these choices can make a lasting impact.