Updated AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines Summarized

When it comes to the sleeping environment…

• Your baby should be placed on their back to sleep. 
• Your baby should sleep on a flat, firm, non-inclined surface. 
• No need to use hats for babies during sleep to avoid overheating. 
• Parents or Caregivers should sleep in the same room as the baby (room-sharing) for at least the first 6 months of age. 
• Your baby should NOT sleep in the same bed with you (bed-sharing), especially if your baby is less than 6 months old.
• Devices meant for sitting (e.g., car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers/slings, etc…) should NOT be used for routine sleep, especially if your baby is less than 4 months old. 
• Your baby’s sleeping structure (e.g, crib, bassinet, bedside sleeper, etc…) should meet existing federal safety standards. 
• Pacifier use around 1 month of age can reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths
• Swaddling has NOT been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. Please stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of trying to roll (usually 3-4 months of age). 
• If using a swaddle prior to your baby showing signs of rolling, then:
  • make sure they are placed on their backs to sleep
  • do NOT use weighted swaddles, weighted clothing, or weighted objects. 
• AVOID using commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths (e.g., cardiorespiratory monitors, commercial oxygen monitoring devices, etc…). There is no valid scientific evidence that any of these devices can reduce the risk of these deaths. We want to avoid having a false sense of security. 

When it comes to general exposures and actions…

• Breastfeeding for at least 2 months reduces the risk of sleep-related infant deaths. If possible, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is recommended. 
• Make your baby gets their routine immunizations in the recommended timeline.
• Do supervised “tummy time” with your baby when they are awake. This helps to promote their development AND minimizes the development of positional plagiocephaly.
• Avoid exposure for both you and your baby to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drugs