Safe Sleeping Recommendations for your Baby

• Place your baby to sleep on her back on a firm, flat sleeping surface unless your baby's doctor has told you differently.
  
  
• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in his own crib. The crib should meet current safety standards. (For more information, contact Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov.)
  
  
• Be aware that sharing a bed with your baby may increase the risk of accidental suffocation. It is especially important not to sleep with your baby if you smoke, are very tired, or if you have used drugs, alcohol, or certain prescription medicines that may make it hard for you to awaken.
  
  
• Do not place your baby to rest or sleep on a waterbed, sofa, couch, beanbag chair, or other soft surface.
  
  
• Do not put pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft items in baby's sleeping area. These items can cause accidental suffocation.
  
  
• Loose blankets and sheets can also be dangerous. If using a blanket, tuck it in around the crib mattress. It should not extend past the baby's chest. This helps keep your baby's head uncovered while sleeping. Crib sheets should be tight fitting all around the mattress.
  
  
• Avoid overheating your baby. Dress her as you would dress yourself to feel comfortable. The room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly dressed adult.

These simple practices may help reduce
the risk of sudden unexpected death for some babies
and will make your baby's sleep environment safe and comfortable.

Santa Clara County
Public Heath Department

The Public Health Department is a division of the Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System.

Recommendations prepared by the Santa Clara County Child Death Review Team.

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