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What should providers tell caregivers about falling asleep while feeding their baby?

Parents may accidentally fall asleep while the baby is still in bed with them. This situation can be dangerous, as there is often loose or soft bedding (such as blankets or pillows) in the bed. Babies can also fall into and become wedged in the space between the adult mattress and the wall or nearby furniture. Parents who bring the baby into an adult bed for feeding or comforting should remove all soft items and bedding from the area, especially if there’s any chance that the caregiver may fall asleep. Parents should put their baby back into his or her separate sleep space when the baby or parent is ready to go to sleep. If the parent accidentally falls asleep while feeding or comforting baby in the adult bed, the parent should put the baby back into his or her separate sleep space as soon as the parent wakes up. Parents could set an alarm to wake them up or have a support person available in case they accidentally fall asleep.  Watch this video from the Safe to Sleep® campaign to learn more.