Boston Children’s Hospital is proud to be certified by the Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, which recognizes hospitals committed to modeling infant safe sleep environments and teaching caregivers about sleep safety.
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Infant Safe Sleep
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Infant safe sleep
As we work to better understand sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), we continue to follow safe sleep guidelines for infants in our care, and also work with parents and caregivers to know the basics of safe sleep to help reduce the risk of SIDS and sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) at home.
Until a baby is 1 year old:
- Place the child alone and on their back during naps and at bedtime.
- All babies, including babies born preterm and babies with reflux, should sleep on a firm, flat, and not-inclined surface
- Use a safety-approved crib or bassinet covered only by a fitted sheet.
- Remove blankets, bumpers, pillows, crib pads, soft bedding, stuffed animals, and toys from the sleeping area.
- Share your room but not your bed for at least six months.
- Don’t overdress your baby. Indoors, your baby only needs one more layer than you wear to stay warm and does not need a hat. Try a sleep sack or wearable blanket.
- Offer a pacifier before sleep, but do not use pacifiers on a string or with stuffed animals attached.
- Avoid smoking around your baby.
These guidelines are based on the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health.
For more information about Infant Safe Sleep, visit: