ABC
The ABCs of Safe Sleep
Babies should always sleep ALONE on their BACKS, in an approved CRIB or bassinet with no blankets, pillow, crib bumpers or toys. Take the quiz and see if you really know how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby!
Prevent a tragedy
Just a few actions can prevent your baby from suffocating. Watch the video and see if you are being a safe sleep champion!
Learn To Swaddle
Confused about swaddling? Wondering if it is healthy or harmful? Learn how to swaddle with this step-by-step video and see how it comforts and soothes baby ensuring a good night’s sleep for all of you!
As cooler weather lingers, should you add a blanket to baby’s bed? Dr. Elizabeth Murray weighs in.
Winter in Rochester gets cold!
Given the high number of unsafe sleep deaths currently under investigation in our region, listen to Dr. Elizabeth’s broadcast on Good Day Rochester.
Our thanks to her as she reminds parents about safe sleep during Rochester’s many cold months.
Safe Sleep Made Easy
Simple, clear guidelines to practice with videos and websites to share.
A IS FOR ALONE.
Your baby should always be alone anytime he or she is put down to sleep. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room sharing during the first year of life, bed sharing is never recommended.
Your baby’s sleep space should be completely clear of all clutter including soft pillows blankets and bedding, crib bumpers and stuffed toys. The only thing that should be in your baby’s sleep space is a tightly fitted sheet.
B IS FOR ON THEIR BACK.
Your baby should always be placed on his or her back to sleep. When your baby is laid down to rest on his or her side or tummy, the risk of suffocation due to rebreathing carbon dioxide increases.
If your baby spits up while sleeping on his or her back, you can trust that their gag reflex is strong enough that he or she will avoid choking. You can feel confident that placing your baby on his or her back for every sleep is the best thing that you can do to keep your baby safe.
C IS FOR CRIB.
Your babies should sleep in their own cribs (or a safety-approved Pack and Play or bassinet). For a limited time, Monroe County residents can take our safe sleep education quiz for a free Pack and Play with safe sleep information. Take the quiz.
To prevent the risks of suffocation and death, the crib should have a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. There should be nothing else in the crib besides your baby, such as blankets, stuffed animals, toys, bumper pads, or pillows.
Helpful Safe Sleep Websites
Children’s Safety Network > Safe Sleep
Safe to Sleep Interactive Room > A Digital Safe Sleep Environment