October 5, 2026
Babies spend a big part of their day sleeping! But did you know that how and where babies sleeps is very important for keeping them safe? Here is what you need to know to keep your baby safe for every sleep, including nights and naps.
The ABCs of Safe Sleep
The easiest way to remember how to put a baby to sleep is by remembering your ABCs:
- A – Alone: A baby should always sleep all by themselves on their own sleep surface. That means no other people, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers in their bed.
- B – Back: Always place a baby on their back to sleep for every nap and at night until they turn a year old.
- C – Crib: A baby should sleep in their own crib, bassinet, or playpen. The mattress must be firm, flat, level, and covered only by a fitted sheet.
- Important note: Couches, armchairs, and adult beds are not safe places for babies to sleep.
- If a baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, or carrier, move them to a firm sleep surface as soon as possible.
Why Is Safe Sleep So Important?
Data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows that El Paso County’s sleep-related infant death rate was 47.7% higher than Colorado’s overall rate between 2019 and 2023.
Reviews of local sleep-related infant deaths show that babies under 3 months old are at highest risk, but babies are still at risk until they turn a year old. Following safe sleep habits is the best way to protect babies.
More Tips to Keep Babies Safe
- Room Share, Don’t Bed Share: Keep baby’s crib or bassinet in the same bedroom as the parents for the first 6 months to 1 year. Sharing a room is safe, but sharing a bed is not!
- Breast Milk Helps Protect: Feeding a baby breast milk offers protection against safe sleep risks. Set a timer or alarm to put baby back in their safe sleep place after late-night feedings.
- Stop Swaddling Once Baby Rolls: Swaddling can help calm baby in their early days. As soon as a baby can roll over on their own, stop swaddling before sleep.
- No Product Can Guarantee Safety: Don’t use wedges or positioner that may be hazards in baby’s sleep space. Monitors are not proven to prevent sleep-related infant death. Baby is safest sleeping in a crib with nothing in it!
It takes a team to raise a baby! Make sure to share these safe sleep reminders with grandparents, babysitters, older brothers and sisters, and anyone else who helps take care of your baby.
Have questions about safe sleep? Find more information and resources at https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/injury-and-violence-prevention/#1753983347676-46bee92b-d87d or contact safesleep@elpasoco.com.