The ABC's of Safe Sleep for Infants

The ABC's of safe sleep is a simple, easy-to-remember guideline created by healthcare professionals to help parents remember the most critical aspects of safe infant sleep. This framework focuses on three essential elements:

A - Alone

• Infants should sleep in their own sleep space, separate from adults and other children

• No sharing a bed with parents, siblings, or pets

• Nothing else should be in the crib or bassinet (no toys, pillows, blankets, or bumper pads)

• This reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and overheating

B - Back

• Always place babies on their backs to sleep for naps and at night

• "Back to Sleep" is one of the most effective ways to reduce SIDS risk

• Once babies can roll over on their own (usually around 4-6 months), you don't need to reposition them if they roll onto their stomach during sleep

• Back sleeping doesn't increase choking risk, even in babies with reflux

C - Crib

• Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable play yard

• The sleep surface should have a tight-fitting sheet with no other bedding

• The mattress should be firm - not pillow-like or with memory foam

• No inclined sleepers, car seats, swings, sofas, or adult beds for routine sleep

• Room-sharing (baby in their own crib in parents' room) is recommended for at least the first 6 months

Some organizations add a fourth element:

D - Danger-free

• No smoking around baby

• Keep room at a comfortable temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C)

• Dress baby in sleep clothing appropriate for the environment (avoid overheating)

• Keep cords, strings, and other strangulation hazards away from the sleep area

The ABC's framework makes these crucial safety practices easier for parents and caregivers to remember and implement, especially during exhausting newborn periods.