Make Baby’s Bedtime Safe and Sound

Keeping your infant safe in bed is as simple as A-B-C:

A is for Air Quality. Smoking in the house puts your baby at risk for sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. If you smoke, go outside.

B is for Back to Sleep. To reduce the risk for SIDS, healthy infants should be placed on their backs to sleep, not laying on their stomachs or sides. If your child has a medical condition, such as a breathing problem, your pediatrician may recommend putting your infant to sleep facedown.

C is for Crib. Your baby should sleep on a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib. The crib slats should be spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart so a child’s head cannot become trapped between them. Don’t put pillows, stuffed toys, or heavy covers in the crib. These can block a baby’s nose and mouth.

Also, be sure to dress your baby in sleepwear labeled “flame-retardant.” Follow the cleaning instructions to maintain flame resistance.