There are many things that may put your baby at risk while sleeping. Some risks may even be deadly if they experience suffocation, strangulation, entrapment, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - a term attributed to any infant death that cannot be explained. Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) includes the aforementioned and is used to describe the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 1 year old in which the cause was not obvious before investigation.

According to the CDC, in 2017, there were 3,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in the United States. Of those fatalities, 1,400 deaths were due to SIDS; 1,300 deaths due to unknown causes; and 900 deaths due to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.  

It is important for parents to always choose a safe sleeping environment for their baby during naps and at night. Where and how he or she will sleep is vital to the baby's safety. Here are some useful prevention tips for parents to keep their baby safe during sleep. 

Safety Tips

• Follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep:
  • Alone – baby sleeps alone, without other objects, caregivers, or siblings
  • Back – baby sleeps on his/her back
  • Crib – baby sleeps on his/her own sleeping space, such as a crib or a bassinet

• Place babies on their backs to sleep every time, for naps and at night.
• Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as a safety-approved crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet.
• Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area.
• Never use pillows, blankets, quilts, sheepskins, sleep positioning devices, or pillow-like bumpers in your baby’s sleep area.
• Avoid letting your baby overheat during sleep. (Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.)
• Never place a crib near a window with blind, curtain cords or baby monitor cords to prevent strangulation.
• Avoid bed sharing as it increases the risk of suffocation.
• Do not attempt to fix a broken crib; replace it.