Methodist Health System Services

Safe Sleep Tips for Your Baby's Health

For your baby’s health and well-being, we encourage you and all of your baby’s caregivers to follow the safe sleep tips provided by the Nebraska Health & Human Services System Douglas County Safe Sleep Initiative of the Baby Blossoms Collaborative.

Safe Sleep Tips

• Use a safety-approved crib with a firm mattress and fitted sheet.
• Put nothing but baby in the crib.
• No bumper pads, back/side positioners, blankets, comforters, stuffed animals.
• Items such as mobiles and activity toys that attach to the crib are ok.
• Put baby to sleep on his or her back — not on the tummy, as parents were taught years ago.
• Dress baby for sleep in a one-piece sleeper or sleep sack.
• No blankets or additional coverings that might cover baby’s mouth or nose.
• Maintain a completely smoke-free environment.

How Safe Sleep Helps Prevent SIDS

Research indicates that a primary contributor to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the number one killer of babies under one year of age, is the re-breathing of carbon dioxide. Babies need to breathe freely, with nothing blocking their airways. Keeping blankets (or other soft materials) out of the crib and putting baby to sleep on his or her back will promote a safe sleep environment and help prevent SIDS.

Awake, Supervised Tummy Time

By now, most new parents have learned that babies should always be put to sleep on their backs, not their tummies. But do you also know the real importance and great fun of giving your baby lots of tummy time?

Tummy time, given only when baby is awake and supervised, is essential for the development of baby’s head and neck control and upper arm and back strength, which are needed skills for baby’s next steps — rolling and sitting. Tummy time also helps prevent the head flattening that some babies develop after spending extended non-sleep time on their backs.

For a happy and healthy baby, be sure to have a variety of play, cuddle and tummy times every day!