Safe Sleep Environment For Your Baby
Your infant’s sleep area can impact their safety and risk for conditions like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Your baby’s sleep area should be free of bumpers, pillows, blankets or toys and should be in the same room where you sleep.
Tips to create a safe sleep environment for your baby
Follow these guidelines to create a safe sleep environment for your baby when you get home:
- Room share: Give your baby their own sleep space in your room, separate from your bed.
- Use a firm, flat and level sleep surface covered only by a fitted sheet*.
- Remove everything from your baby’s sleep area, except a fitted sheet to cover the mattress.
- Use a wearable blanket to keep your baby warm and keep blankets outside the sleep area.
- Place your baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night.
- Couches and armchairs are not safe for your baby to sleep on alone, with people or with pets.
- Keep your baby’s surroundings smoke and vape free.
- No objects, toys or other items in sleep area.
- Make sure your baby’s head and face stay uncovered during sleep.
Due to medical need and continuous monitoring, we are not modeling the safe Home Sleep Environment. Prior to discharge, your infant will transition to the safe Home Sleep Environment which should also be utilized at home.
*The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets safety standards for infant sleep surfaces (such as a mattress) and sleep spaces (like a crib). Visit to learn more.
National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and West Des Moines Medical Center were recently recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as “Bronze Level" certification for their commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep.
The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids®, a national infant safe sleep organization. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Cribs for Kids is dedicated to preventing infant sleep-related injuries and deaths due to SUID and accidental suffocation. As a Nationally Certified Safe Sleep Hospital, MercyOne is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and providing training programs for healthcare team members, and safe sleep education to family and caregivers.
