There are about 3,500 sleep-related infant deaths each year in the U.S., with Black infants dying nearly twice the rate of white infants. While the number of deaths has reduced since the problem was first recognized, one death is one too many. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics and many other health care organizations have made clear recommendations to help keep your infant safe while sleeping. Children's Mercy wants to help keep your child safe through our Safe Sleep, Safe Babies initiative.

Remember your ABCs

A: Alone
B: Back
C: Crib

Until your infant's first birthday, they should sleep alone, on their back, and in their crib for naptime and bedtime. We know that infants who sleep on their stomachs are at a much higher risk of dying than on their backs. Infants who are placed on their sides are more likely to roll over onto their stomachs, so side sleeping is not recommended.

Some parents worry that an infant on its back will choke, but the infant's airway anatomy and gag reflex will prevent that from happening. Even infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) should sleep on their backs.

Once your infant is able to roll from their back to their tummy and then roll to their back again, you do not need to reposition them. But always put them down to sleep on their back when they first go to bed.

Infant sleep recommendations

Your infant should sleep alone on a firm surface. This can be in one of the following:

• A crib with a firm, non-inclined sleep surface and tight fitted sheet.
• A portable crib or a bassinet (if it does not have padding along the sides).

To avoid the risk of suffocation and strangulation, these items should not be left in your infant's crib:

• Loose blankets
• Pillows
• Stuffed animals
• Toys

The following places are not recommended for your infant to sleep:

• Swing
• Car seat
• Bouncy chair

While sharing a bed with your infant is not recommended, we do recommend your infant share a room with you or their caregiver(s). This makes it easier to see your infant while keeping a separate sleep surface for your child.

For a full list of infant sleep recommendations, please visit the following websites:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Children
• Children's Trust Fund
• Safe Sleep Missouri
• Breastfeeding and Safe Sleep (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

Community partners and safe sleep educators

*May have limited safe sleep materials available