Safe Infant Sleep

Each year, about 3,500 infants die from a sleep-related death in the U.S. There are steps you and every infant caregiver can take to promote safe infant sleep:

• Place your baby on their back to sleep for every sleep, including naps

• Use a firm, flat mattress (not inclinded) with a well-fitted sheet.

• Feed your baby only breastmilk for six months. Continue breastfeeding for at least two years.

• Share your room with your baby. Keep baby near your bed on their own safety-approved sleep surface like a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with no other people or pets.

• Keep everything out of your baby's sleep area. Don't add blankets, pillows, quilts, bumper pads, crib liners, sitting devices, toys or other objects.

• Avoid placing your baby to sleep on a couch, armchair, or seating device like a swing, baby seat, or car safety seat (except when in a car.)

This information is not just for parents. Share it with everyone who cares for an infant so they can better understand the importance of practicing safe infant sleep.

Visit dshs.texas.gov/SafeInfantSleep or dshs.texas.gov/SuenoInfantilSeguro for more information, or email InfantHealth@dshs.texas.gov