Welcoming a new baby brings joy and sleepless nights. One of the most important ways parents can help everyone rest more soundly is by creating a safe sleep environment for their baby.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)—which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)—is the leading cause of injury death in infancy. Following safe sleep recommendations can prevent many of these tragedies.
The Importance of Safe Sleep
In the 1990s, public health campaigns encouraged parents to place babies on their backs to sleep. These efforts led to a significant decline in sleep-related infant deaths. However, progress has since plateaued, and SIDS remains the leading cause of post-neonatal mortality.
Sadly, Black and Native American/Alaska Native infants die at more than twice the rate of white infants. The AAP emphasizes that every family deserves support and clear guidance to keep their babies safe—something our Boulder Medical Center pediatricians in Boulder, Louisville, and Longmont are passionate about providing.
Safe Sleep Basics
The AAP and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following steps to reduce the risk of SUID and SIDS:
- Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, nap, and nighttime.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface such as a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a fitted sheet. Avoid inclined sleepers.
- Keep your baby’s sleep space in your room, ideally until your baby is at least 6 months old.
- Keep soft bedding out of the crib. This includes blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and stuffed animals.
- Avoid overheating. Do not cover your baby’s head or overdress them. Signs of overheating include sweating or a warm chest.
- Never sleep with your baby on a couch, armchair, or adult bed.
- Avoid car seats, swings, and other sitting devices for routine sleep, except while riding in a vehicle.
You can view examples of a safe sleep setup at Safe to Sleep®
Additional Ways to Reduce SIDS Risk
In addition to creating a safe sleep space, the AAP recommends:
- Do not smoke or vape during pregnancy or after birth, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Avoid alcohol and drug use during pregnancy and around your baby.
- Breastfeed your baby, if possible—breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
- Stay current on well-child visits and vaccines, which help protect against infections linked to SIDS.
- Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime once breastfeeding is well established.
Sleep challenges are part of life with a new baby, but safe sleep practices give parents peace of mind. These simple steps—placing babies on their backs, using a firm sleep surface, and keeping the sleep area free of soft bedding—save lives daily.
Helping Boulder County Families Sleep Soundly
Pediatricians in Boulder, Longmont, and Louisville, Colorado
If you have questions about creating a safe sleep environment or concerns about your baby’s sleep patterns, our Boulder Medical Center pediatricians are here to help families across Boulder, Louisville, and Longmont. Learn more here.