What is the safest sleep position for my baby?
Always place your baby on their back, for every nap and every night. This is the position proven to reduce the risk of SIDS.
At the HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI, we know that the simplest practices can carry the greatest impact. Safe sleep and SIDS prevention are vital because they protect infants during a period of profound vulnerability, when prevention is the most powerful form of care. Clear guidance, consistently applied, saves lives.
This section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide brings together resources on safe sleep practices and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention. These materials are designed to help caregivers understand evidence-based recommendations, reduce risk factors, and create sleep environments that prioritize safety without confusion or fear. Knowledge in this space is not about alarm. It is about precision, clarity, and confidence.
The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice or care from your physician, pediatrician, or other licensed clinical provider. All questions or concerns related to infant sleep, health, or development should be discussed directly with your healthcare team.
Our approach is intentional and disciplined: when families are equipped early with clear, accurate guidance, risk is reduced, trust is strengthened, and infants are given the protection they deserve from the very beginning.
Always place your baby on their back, for every nap and every night. This is the position proven to reduce the risk of SIDS.
In a separate sleep space—a crib, bassinet, or Pack ’n Play—with a firm, flat mattress and no blankets, pillows, toys, or bumpers.
Not for routine sleep. If baby falls asleep in one of these, gently move them to a flat, safe sleep surface as soon as possible.
Bedsharing raises the risk of SIDS and suffocation, especially if a caregiver is overly tired, has smoked, or used substances.
Room-share without bed-sharing for the first 6–12 months.
Yes. Breastfeeding, even partially, has been shown to lower the risk of SIDS when combined with safe sleep practices.
Please enter your ZIP code:
Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
