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The Do & Don’t List for Safe Sleep

Do

  • Do put your baby to sleep on his/her back for every sleep.
  • Do put your baby’s crib in the same room as your bed (room-sharing)
  • Do put your baby in a crib to sleep for naptime and bedtime
  • Do find your own way to stay awake while feeding your baby
  • Do use a firm crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet
  • Do breastfeed your baby.
  • Do offer a pacifier for sleep once breastfeeding is established
  • Do use a wearable blanket to keep your baby warm.
  • Do vaccinate your baby.

Don't

  • Don’t put your baby to sleep on his/her side or stomach
  • Don’t sleep with your baby on a shared surface.
  • Don’t put your baby to sleep on a couch, armchair, or adult bed.
  • Don’t fall asleep holding or feeding your baby.
  • Don’t use a car seat, swing, stroller or infant carrier for routine sleep.
  • Don’t have blankets, pillows, toys or bumper pads in the crib.
  • Don’t smoke, drink, or use drugs.
  • Don’t swaddle your baby if he/she shows signs of rolling over.
  • Don’t let your baby overheat.

Safe Sleep is Hard. Your Baby is Worth it.