Safe Sleep Saves Lives: Tips to Prevent SIDS
Each October, we recognize Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month, a reminder that a few simple choices can make the difference between safety and tragedy. Thanks to decades of research by pioneers such as Dr. Peter Fleming in Bristol, England, we now know that safe-sleep practices are among the most powerful tools parents and caregivers have to prevent sudden infant deaths.
Although SIDS rates dropped by more than 50 percent after the Back to Sleep campaign began in 1991, recent CDC data show that sleep-related infant deaths in the U.S. have ticked upward since 2020, with about 3,700 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) reported each year. That includes roughly 1,500 cases of SIDS, plus deaths from accidental suffocation and unknown causes. The science is clear: safe sleep saves lives.
Why Safe Sleep Matters
Infants have developing brains and fragile airways. When babies sleep in unsafe positions or on soft surfaces, their breathing can become compromised. Fleming’s research demonstrated that how a baby sleeps directly affects their ability to breathe and regulate body temperature. Those findings remain part of the foundation of today’s safe-sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The AAP’s Safe Sleep Recommendations—Explained
Place your baby on their back for every sleep
The back-sleeping position keeps the airway open and reduces the risk of suffocation. Side or stomach positions are not safe for routine sleep, even for short naps. Babies who roll over on their own can stay in that position, but always start them on their backs.
Use a firm, flat sleep surface
Cribs, bassinets, and portable play yards that meet current CPSC safety standards are safest. The mattress should be firm with a fitted sheet only; no pillows, comforters, or incline. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, swing, or stroller, transfer them to a flat surface as soon as possible.
Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib
Stuffed animals, bumpers, sleep positioners, and extra blankets can obstruct a baby’s airway. A swaddle blanket or sleep sack keeps your baby warm without risk.
Share a room, not a bed
The AAP recommends room-sharing for at least the first six months (and ideally the first year). Place your baby’s crib or bassinet within arm’s reach of your bed, but always on a separate, firm surface. Never sleep with your baby in an adult bed, couch, or recliner—those are among the highest-risk environments for SIDS and accidental suffocation.
Avoid overheating
Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room temperature comfortable for an adult in short sleeves. Overheating can interfere with an infant’s ability to regulate breathing and temperature.
Feed breast milk when possible
Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of SIDS, even partial breastfeeding. It supports healthy immune function and more easily aroused sleep cycles.
Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime
Pacifier use has been shown to reduce SIDS risk, possibly by helping babies maintain airway tone. If you’re breastfeeding, wait until it’s well established before introducing one.
Avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drug exposure
Nicotine, alcohol, and substance exposure during or after pregnancy significantly increase SIDS risk. If you’re working to quit or need support, reach out! Help is available, and your baby benefits immediately.
Keep up with prenatal and well-baby care
Regular medical visits ensure your baby’s growth, immunizations, and development are on track and give you a chance to discuss any sleep or feeding concerns.
Supervised tummy time while awake
Tummy time strengthens neck and shoulder muscles and helps prevent flat spots on the head, but it should only happen when your baby is awake and supervised.
The Bigger Picture: Equity and Support
Some families face extra barriers to following safe-sleep recommendations, including housing insecurity, limited access to cribs, or substance-use recovery. In most communities partners such as Safe Care Coalition, Nurse-Family Partnership, pediatric clinics and churches help families access free portable cribs, safe-sleep kits, and in-home education. No caregiver should ever have to choose between safety and affordability.
Call to Action
Every nap. Every night. Every time.
Place your baby on their back, in their own safe sleep space, with nothing else in the crib.
If you’re a healthcare provider, childcare professional, or community volunteer, share these guidelines with every new family you meet. If you’re an expectant or new parent, check your baby’s sleep space tonight. One small change can save a life.
References and Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Data and Statistics (2022)
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Safe to Sleep Campaign – Safe Sleep for Your Baby
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – Crib and Infant Sleep Product Safety Standards
Cribs for Kids® National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative – Find a Crib Program Near You
Peter Fleming, University of Bristol – The Guardian: “Back to Sleep: The Simple Advice That Saved Thousands of Babies” (2016)