--- title: "Safe Sleep for Infants at Sutter Health" description: "Learn how to create a safe sleep space for your baby. Get expert tips to reduce the risk of SIDS and help your little one — and you — rest easy." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/safe-sleep" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) / 3. Safe Sleep # Safe Sleep for Infants Learn how you can create a safe place for your baby to sleep. * * * October 20, 2025Medically reviewed by [Mara Bernal Suarez, N.P.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/mara-bernal-suarez-1096898073) Sleep is an important part of your baby’s development, and good sleep habits can be a blessing for both babies and parents. It's also important to know how to create a safe sleep environment for [babies](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/newborn-and-baby-care). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which includes [Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)](https://www.cdc.gov/sudden-infant-death/sleep-safely/index.html "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)"), is the leading cause of death for infants between 1 month and 1 year of age. Mara Bernal Suarez, a pediatric N.P. at Sutter, offers the following simple tips for ensuring safe sleep for babies.  ## Safe Sleep Basics - Always place your baby on their back to sleep, never on the stomach or side. - Dress your baby lightly and skip loose blankets. Safer options include sleepers, sleep sacks and wearable blankets. - Keep the room at a temperature comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. Watch for signs of overheating such as sweating, flushed cheeks or rapid breathing.  ## Creating a Safe Sleep Space The [American Academy of Pediatrics](https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/?srsltid=AfmBOoo7YoJd-60j3kQphHBoIqAUcR7LoIJzAqw5oYdq3ujom3U-vtvk "American Academy of Pediatrics") recommends room-sharing but not bed-sharing. The safest place for your baby is in a crib or bassinet placed within arm’s reach of your bed. Choose a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, and make sure the crib or bassinet is JPMA-certified. Keep the sleep space clear — no blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, wedges or sleep positioners. And never place your baby on couches, adult beds or cushions, where they could fall or become trapped.  ## Swaddling and Sleep [Swaddling](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx "Swaddling") can help babies feel calm and secure, but it should always be done safely: - Place a swaddled baby only on their back - Stop swaddling by about 2 months, when babies begin trying to roll - Leave room for your baby’s hips and legs to move freely - Secure fasteners properly to prevent loose fabric Swaddling is not a replacement for a safe sleep environment — always follow the guidelines above.  ## Reducing the Risk of SIDS Doctors don’t yet know what causes SIDS, but research shows that parents can lower risk by: - Placing babies on their backs to sleep - Breastfeeding if possible - Keeping the home and car smoke-free - Using a firm mattress and tight-fitting crib sheet - Offering a clean, dry pacifier at bedtime (after one month if breastfeeding) For more guidance, explore the [Safe to Sleep campaign](https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/ "Safe to Sleep campaign") from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.  Safe sleep is about finding a balance — taking simple precautions without letting worry overshadow the joy of caring for your baby. With a secure sleep space and healthy habits, you can rest easier knowing your baby is resting safely too.  ## Explore related topics [Newborns](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Newborns%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness)[Newborn 101](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Newborn+101%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness) ## Care That Grows With Your Child From checkups to sick visits and everything in between, our [pediatricians](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/childrens-health) are here to support your child’s health at every stage. [Book an Appointment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22acceptingNewPatients%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5Btrue%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Family+Medicine%22%2C%22Pediatrics%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) ## Meet our care team ![Mara Bernal Suarez, N.P.](https://a.mktgcdn.com/p/egPbJl0zvxh96RrLNtOrK4HyYWuGg8_aloTWoHx5s64/480x480.jpg) [Mara Bernal Suarez, N.P.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider/mara-bernal-suarez-1096898073) Pediatrics ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"Safe Sleep for Infants at Sutter Health","description":"Learn how to create a safe sleep space for your baby. 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