Skip to main content
Infant Safe Sleep

Infant Safe Sleep

Crib icon

Why is Infant Safe Sleep Important?

Babies sleep safest when the infant safe sleep guidelines are followed. Practicing infant safe sleep can help prevent sleep-related infant deaths. A Michigan baby dies every 2 ‐ 3 days due to sleep‐related causes. Sleep-related infant deaths are those where something in the baby's sleep environment (blankets, pillows, people, pets, etc.) likely contributed to the death.

  • Steps to Keep Your Baby Safe

    Follow the infant safe sleep guidelines for every sleep – nap time and night time.

  • Sleep on the Back

    Place baby on the back to sleep.

  • In Own Sleep Space

    Place baby in a crib, bassinet or pack and play with a firm mattress and a tightly fitted sheet. Baby’s sleep surface should be flat.


  • Remove Clutter

    Keep baby’s sleep space clutter free—no pillows, blankets or toys.

  • Breastfeed

    Feed your baby human milk, if you can.


  • Room Share

    Keep baby’s sleep space near your bed—share your room, not your bed.

  • No Smoking

    Keep baby’s environment smoke- and nicotine-free.


  • Plan Ahead

    Plan ahead for when you are tired. Falling asleep with your baby can put baby at risk for suffocation, falling or other dangers.


  • Reminders

    Remind everyone who cares for your baby how to keep baby safe while sleeping.


Infant Safe Sleep Resources

  • Dad placing baby in crib

    Infant Safe Sleep for Parents

    Resources for parents on how to keep your baby safe while sleeping.

    Parent resources
  • mother nursing baby

    Breastfeeding & Infant Safe Sleep

    Learn how breastfeeding and infant safe sleep work together to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death and find breastfeeding support.

    Breastfeeding resources
  • County Health Department image

    Resources by County

    Find local resources for infant safe sleep education and sleep environments for baby.

    Local resources
  • Provider and mother

    Infant Safe Sleep for Professionals

    Resources for professionals working with families.

    Professional resources
  • EMS vehicles

    EMS Agencies & Fire Departments

    Learn how EMS Agencies and Fire Departments can identify unsafe sleep practices, provide on scene education, and connect families support services.

    EMS and Fire Dept. resources
  • Faith Organizations graphic

    Faith Leaders and Organizations

    Learn how faith leaders and organizations can be part of the solution to support infant safe sleep.

    Faith Leaders & Organizations resources
  • Baby

    Know the Facts

    Explore the facts on infant safe sleep and sleep-related infant deaths in Michigan.
    Know the Facts
  • woman teaching group

    Announcements

    View product recalls and other announcements related to infant safe sleep.

    View announcements