Safe Sleep Matters
We get it: Getting your baby to fall and stay asleep can be tough. You’ve got this—and you’re not alone!
Cradle Cincinnati is here with safe sleep resources and support for your whole family.
You’ll all sleep better when your baby sleeps safely.
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Babies aren’t always cooperative, and sometimes it can feel easier to let them sleep wherever they’ll go down. But sadly, sleep-related infant death is one of the leading causes of death for babies in Hamilton County.
That’s why it’s important to practice safe sleep every time—at bedtime, and at nap time. Follow these three quick steps to keep your baby safe. Make sure everyone who watches your baby—including family, friends, loved ones, and daycare providers—know about the importance of safe sleep.
Here’s what safe sleep looks like
Keep the crib free of soft objects
Your baby should sleep on a mattress covered in a fitted sheet—no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals. These items could overheat or suffocate your baby.
Babies their need own sleep space
Your baby should only sleep in their own crib, bassinet, or pack ’n’ play. They should never sleep on a bed, couch or chair with another person. Accidents happen, and you could roll over and suffocate the baby.
Place your baby on their back
It’s easiest for babies to breathe when they lay flat on their backs. If your baby can roll on their own, you should still put them to bed on their back. But don’t worry about moving them if they roll while they’re sleeping.
Help your baby fall asleep safely
Creating a sense of safety and calm helps both you and your baby relax when it’s time for them to sleep. Here are some tips to help you, your family and caregivers provide safe sleep for your baby every time.
Establish a Sleep Routine
Calming bedtime routines are a great time for you and your baby to bond. Routines also create a sense of safety; follow the same steps every time so your baby learns what to expect.
Sing, tell a story and rock your baby to sleep
The calm sound of your voice can help your baby fall sleep. You can walk around the room, or set a quiet alarm if you’re sitting with your baby so you don’t fall asleep yourself.
Use a Soft Touch
Giving your baby a warm bath or a gentle massage helps soothe them before bedtime. Softly lay your baby down on their back when it’s time to sleep.
Crib for your baby, bed for you
Your baby should always sleep in their own crib, bassinet or pack ’n’ play—never in bed or on a couch or chair with you. Place your baby’s bed next to yours so you can keep an eye on them.
Other tips for falling asleep
Place a white noise machine in the room on low volume.
Dress your baby in the right sleeping clothes. When it’s cold, use a sleep sack instead of a blanket to keep them warm.
Swaddle safely.
Mimic your body’s warmth by using a low-temperature heating pad to warm baby’s mattress a bit. Always remove the heating pad before laying baby down.
Find your safe space while you’re feeding (get out of bed, sit in a sturdy chair, watch TV or look at your phone) so you don’t doze off. Set your phone alarm to go off every 10 minutes.
Breastfeeding moms can pump so someone else can help with feeding.
Exhausted? Have a plan—call a friend, sister, mom, grandma, aunt—anyone who will support and encourage you.
Need a crib for your baby? Let us help!
Click here or call (513) 667-2157 to learn more about getting a free crib.
Safe sleep makes it much less likely that babies will accidentally suffocate. Babies are safest when they sleep in their own space, on their backs, with no blankets or soft items, at night and for every nap.
Babies sleeping on their stomachs, in the nook of an arm or surrounded by soft bedding can rebreathe their own exhaled air. Rebreathing causes oxygen levels to drop and carbon dioxide levels to rise.
If your baby doesn’t wake for a breath of fresh oxygen, they can suffocate.
Why is safe sleep so important?
Sleep-related deaths are the most preventable infant deaths. Every person who shares and practices safe sleep can save a life.
Safe sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. We know you’ve heard a lot of advice—from family, friends, the internet, social media, and more—and it can be tough to know what’s right. Here are a few questions we’ve heard from a lot of moms, parents and families.
We get it: Safe sleep can feel tough. It’s worth it.
Isn’t my baby safer sleeping next to me so I can watch them?
Your baby is safest when sleeping in their own crib or bassinet. Adults can accidentally suffocate babies, or babies can fall on the floor when they sleep with adults. Place your baby’s bed next to your own, so you can keep an eye on them while they sleep.
What if my baby won’t sleep unless I’m holding them?
It can be hard to resist holding your baby while they’re sleeping, especially if they’re fussy. But you can also fall asleep while holding your baby. Remind yourself that you’re doing what’s best for your baby by placing them in their crib or bassinet to sleep every time—at night, or for a nap.
I slept with my other babies. My mom slept with me, and everything was fine. Why shouldn’t I sleep with my baby now?
You were lucky: Sleeping with babies has always been a leading cause of infant death. We now know babies are safest when they sleep in their own crib or bassinet. It’s OK to change your family’s sleep traditions, because you want what’s safest for your baby.
Can my baby stay in their carseat or swing if they fall asleep?
No. Small babies aren’t strong enough to stay fully upright, and can move into a position that blocks their breathing. Babies should only sleep flat on their backs, in a crib, bassinet or pack ’n’ play, even if you’re traveling or don’t have a permanent place to live.
Call 211 or email CradleCincinnatiCares@cchmc.org for a free, portable sleep space for your baby.
Won’t my baby get cold or uncomfortable without a blanket?
Blankets and other soft objects can actually overheat your baby, and also could accidentally suffocate them. Use a sleep sack to keep your baby safe and at a comfortable temperature.
Can I sleep with my baby after breastfeeding?
No, sleeping together after breastfeeding is not safe. You can breastfeed in bed or on a couch or chair, but your baby needs to sleep in their own crib or bassinet once they’re done feeding. Place your baby’s bed next to your own, so you can easily pick them up when they’re ready to eat again.
Try setting a timer to go off every 10 minutes so you stay awake while breastfeeding. You can also do something distracting like scrolling through social media.
What if I want to comfort my baby while they’re sick?
Your instinct may be to cuddle your baby and hold them upright while they’re sick. But they need easy access to fresh air more than ever when their tiny windpipe is congested.
Get the safe sleep support you need!
Caring for your baby is a lot of work. We know you’ve got this—and that you need support, too!
Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for help so you can take care of yourself. Share this page with them so they know how to help your baby sleep safely.
Cradle Cincinnati is here for you, too. We connect Hamilton County moms, moms-to-be, and families with resources, support and community so our babies can thrive.
Explore our Community Resource Guide to connect with local providers and programs.
Fill out the Cradle Cincinnati Connections form to connect with a member of our team.