Sleep-related deaths (SIDS and SUID) are the third-leading cause of death for Mississippi infants. Simple steps can reduce the risk of sleep-related death and help infants reach a safe and healthy first birthday.
The missions of Safe Sleep Mississippi is to eliminate infant deaths in Mississippi from SIDS and other sleep-related accidents.
What You Can Do
Each time you put your infant to sleep, at night or for a nap, follow the ABCS of safe sleep:
- Babies are safer from suffocation when they sleep alone without an adult, other children or pets in the same bed or crib.
- placing babies to sleep on their back has dramatically reduced sleep-related deaths over the years.
- An empty crib without pillows, blankets, bumpers or toys keeps your baby safe from risks to their breathing.
- Don't smoke or let others smoke in the home where your baby is. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of sleep-related death.
Who Should Know About Safe Sleep?
Everyone who cares for your baby should know about safe sleep practices.
Parents
Grandparents
Family members
Babysitters
Setting Up for Safe Sleep
Safe and Comfortable
Instead of a blanket, put your baby to sleep in a one-piece outfit. Make sure it's the right size, and not too big, so that it won't accidentally cover the baby's mouth or nose.
Mattresses should be firm and not soft, with a snugly fitted flat sheet.
Steps to Safe Sleep
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following ways to prevent infant sleep deaths. Make sure that relatives, friends and caregivers who may look after your child also know these important steps.
- Place infants on their backs for sleep in their own sleep space with no other people. Your baby should not sleep with you or with anyone else due to the danger of accidental suffocation.
- Use a crib, bassinet or portable play yard with a firm, flat (not inclined) mattress and a fitted sheet. Avoid sleeping on a couch or armchair or in a seating device, like a swing or car safety seat (except while riding in the car).
- Keep loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers and other soft items out of the sleep space.
- Breastfeed if possible.
- Offer a pacifier at naptime and bedtime
- Avoid exposure to smoke and nicotine during pregnancy and after birth.
- Avoid alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.
- Avoid overheating and head covering in infants.
- Give your infant time on their tummies when they're awake for short periods of time while you watch them. Start with a few minutes a day and increase gradually to about 30 minutes total a day at age seven weeks.
How a Sleep Routine Helps
A simple routine you follow with your baby each night can help it sleep more quickly and quietly.
A bath before bed helps your baby relax.
Feed before bed for a more comfortable sleep.
Reading comforts your baby with the sound of your voice.
Put your baby to sleep on its back until it's one year old. It's OK if the baby rolls over on its own.
Safe Sleep Works
Sleep-related deaths have declined dramatically over the years since parents began safe sleep practices. They continue to make a difference in Mississippi, saving the lives of babies every year.
Resources for Safe Sleep
- Baby's Safe Sleep Crib Checklist PDF
- Creating a Healthy Home Checklist PDF
- A Sleep Routine for Your Baby PDF
- What a Safe Sleep Environment Looks Like NIH
Baby Product Recalls
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issues recalls on baby products that may be unsafe.
You can also report a product that you think is unsafe.
- Make an online report
- Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772.
Mississippi State Department of Health
570 East Woodrow Wilson
Osborne Building, Suite 200
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: 601‑576‑7619
