#  Safe Sleep for Your Baby 

 

      ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a67b180b-a2bd-464c-9fbf-9bf183dfd2f8/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-SafeSleep?io=transform:fill,width:1000px&format=webp)  

 

**Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)** is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby younger than 1 year. Even after doctors do many tests, they cannot find a reason why the baby died. There are important steps you can take to help lower your baby's risk of SIDS.


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## 10 Steps for Safer Sleep

These steps can help your baby rest safely and comfortably.

1. **Place your baby on their back** for every nap and at night.
2. **Use a crib or bassinet**—not a couch, chair, or adult bed. Babies need a firm, flat place to sleep.
3. **Share your room, not your bed.** If you do choose to bedshare, [follow safe sleep guidelines](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safe-sleep-information-for-parents-and-caregivers#dont-let-anyone-share-a-bed-with-your-baby-but-if-you-do-follow-these-tips "MA Department of Public Health: Safe sleep information for parents and caregivers: Don’t let anyone share a bed with your baby, but if you do, follow these tips | Commonwealth of Massachusetts (mass.gov)").
4. **Keep the crib clear:** Avoid loose blankets, weighted blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers until your baby turns one.
5. **Avoid smoke exposure.** Don’t let anyone [smoke](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/safe-choices/how-alcohol-smoking-and-drugs-can-affect-your-baby "Bump & Beyond: How Alcohol, Smoking, and Drugs Can Affect Your Baby | Boston Medical Center") near your baby.
6. **Dress your baby in a sleep sack or swaddle** instead of using blankets.
7. **Never leave your baby unattended in an unsafe place** like a changing table, couch, or bed.
8. **Keep it cool:** Aim for room temperatures below 72°F. **No hats indoors,** don't overdress baby.
9. **Breastfeed if you can:** It can help reduce the risk of SIDS.
10. **Learn more** by [visiting the Safe to Sleep® website](https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/ "Safe to Sleep (safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov)") from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

## Swaddling

Parents often worry that their baby will be cold if they are not allowed blankets. You can use **swaddling** to keep your baby secure and warm. There are many different types of swaddle blankets, from light cotton to cozy fleece.


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Swaddling can also help [soothe newborns who are upset](/node/177314 "Bump & Beyond: What to Do When Your Baby Is Fussy | Boston Medical Center") (once you have ruled out the common reasons for upset, like hunger or a dirty diaper).

## Is baby too hot?

Keep baby cool! Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS.

- Don’t dress baby in multiple layers
- No hats on indoors

Signs that a baby is too hot are:

- Sweating
- Red, flushed skin
- Chest feels hot to touch

## Parenting Advice

The baby and child development organization [The Basics](https://thebasicsboston.org/basics-insights/ "BrainBoosts | The Basics (thebasics.org)") offers parenting advice based on your child’s age. You can [sign up](https://thebasics.org/basics-insights/ "Basics Insights | The Basics (thebasics.org)") to get tips texted straight to you.

The BMC Teen and Tot Program keeps a list of [recommended parenting resources](/departments/pediatric-primary-care/adolescent-medicine/teen-and-tot-program/resources-patients "Department of Pediatrics: Division of Adolescent Medicine: Teen and Tot Program: Patient Resources | Boston Medical Center").

[Learn More About Supporting Your Baby’s Growth and Development](/node/177563 "Bump & Beyond: Supporting Your Baby’s Growth and Development with Play | Boston Medical Center")

## Learn More About Your Baby’s Sleep


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