How can you safely put a baby to sleep?

Placing a baby on their back in a crib with no loose bedding is the safest method for putting a baby to sleep. This position helps lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as research has shown that babies who sleep on their backs are significantly less likely to experience this tragic outcome. Additionally, using a crib with a firm mattress and no loose bedding or soft toys reduces the chances of suffocation and promotes a safer sleeping environment.

Other positions and arrangements, such as placing a baby on their stomach, on their side, or in a bed beside an adult, may increase risks. For instance, stomach sleeping can hinder airflow and lead to overheating, while sleeping on the side can lead to rolling over onto the stomach. Using stuffed toys or loose bedding can pose suffocation hazards, and sleeping in a bed beside an adult can increase the risk of accidental injury or suffocation if the adult rolls over. Therefore, the recommended practice is to always place babies on their backs in a safe sleep environment.