SAFE SLEEP: The Reality of Baby Blankets, Comforters, and Pillows

Winter is here! Do you know how to keep your baby warm AND safe? It may be surprising that baby blankets, comforters, and pillows should NEVER be in a baby’s crib. A baby’s crib should always be empty and babies should never get too hot. Babies are at higher risk for SUID (Sudden Unexplained Infant Death), commonly known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) if they are covered by a blanket or quilt, get too hot during sleep, or sleep on or under soft loose bedding.

Loose bedding and other items placed under or over the baby or in the baby’s sleep area could end up covering the baby’s face, which could:

• Put the baby at higher risk for suffocation or strangulation
• Put the baby at higher risk for re-breathing air that is low in oxygen
• Put the baby at higher risk of overheating

Loose bedding and soft bedding, placed over or under the baby, such as quilts, comforters, and pillows increase the risk of SUID regardless of the sleep position.

It is reported that the majority of other sleep-related infant deaths are due to accidental suffocation involving pillows, quilts, and extra blankets. For these reasons, do not use pillows, blankets, quilts, sheepskins, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers anywhere in your baby’s sleep area.

Avoid these objects to reduce the risk of SUID. Dress your baby in no more than two layers of clothing for sleep. Infants younger than one year old are at risk of SUID, but a safe sleep environment can reduce the risk! Learn the four rules of safe sleep here.