Safe Sleep Guidance 

VDSS has also developed a standalone website dedicated to educating parents about safe sleep. Called SafeSleep365, the site offers a range of guidance on the best practices related to helping ensure that babies are not at-risk during sleep. In addition to the warnings covered above, tips to safe sleep include: 

• Lay your baby (until at least one year of age) on its back on a firm surface. 

• Keep your baby in a smoke-free, alcohol-free environment. 

• Breastfeed your baby. 

• Don’t overheat your baby by dressing it too warmly. Heads and faces should be left uncovered. 

• Remove objects like toys from your baby’s sleep space. 

• Make sure your baby’s bedding is not loose nor has cords or bumper ties. 

This information is what we know about keeping babies safe. Unfortunately, it often conflicts with family or cultural traditions, traditions that too often increase the risk to your baby. Remember, safe sleep is a choice that babies cannot make for themselves. It’s up to all of us – parents, caregivers and the community as a whole – to educate ourselves about the ways to keep our babies safe while sleeping.