Safe Sleep

Sleep-related infant deaths are still a major problem in Alabama. In 2020, 404 babies tragically died before their first birthday. Of those deaths, 61 were officially ruled sleep-related with the cause of death listed as either “sudden infant death syndrome” (SIDS) or “accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed.” An additional 41 deaths were listed as “undetermined,” although many of those deaths occurred while the baby was sleeping.

Some of these deaths are preventable. There are risk factors that caregivers can control to lower their baby's risk of dying while sleeping.

ABCs of Sleeping Babies

What is the safest way for your baby to sleep? Babies sleep safest when... they sleep alone on their back in an uncluttered crib or another safe sleep surface. Follow these simple "ABCs of Sleeping Babies" for guidance:

Alone

• We, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend that the baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).

Back

• Unless otherwise instructed by a pediatrician, an infant should always sleep on its back, on a firm, flat surface.
• An infant sleeping on its side or stomach faces an increased risk of Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID).
• Infants should sleep without the aid of wedges and cushions.

Crib

• Railings should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart - tight enough that a soda can will not fit through them.
• The mattress should be firm, flat, and covered with a tight, fitted sheet.
• Keep your baby's crib clutter-free - no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals, etc.
• Waterbeds, futons, recliners, and sofas are not acceptable substitutes for a crib.

Safe Sleep Posters

• Babies sleep safest when... English | Spanish
• Safe sleep is hard, but your baby is worth it. English | Spanish

Safe Sleep Videos

"What is Safe Sleep for Babies?" (from the Charlie's Kids Foundation)

"Room Share, Don't Bed Share" (from the Charlie's Kids Foundation)

 Additional videos:

• Safe Sleep (Children's of Alabama/UAB Medicine)
• Safe Sleep for Your Baby (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health)
• University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban on Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

Alabama Collaborative on Safe Sleep

The Collaborative has produced a Position Statement providing valuable information about safe sleep issues and providing contact information for resources. The Collaborative has also developed a Step-by-Step Blueprint for the use of providers who are working to make the sleep environments in their facilities safer for infants.

For more information on preventing infant sleep-related deaths, please view the following sites: CDC-Sudden Infant Death (SUID), Updated 2022 AAP Recommendations, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and First Candle.