Doernbecher Infant Safe Sleep Program

Mother lying down on bed adjacent to baby in crib.

The Infant Safe Sleep Program provides education and resources for families with infants under one year of age to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death in our community.

Download our safe sleep guide, available in the following languages:

The American Academy of Pediatrics Safe Infant Sleep Guidelines can help families prevent unsafe sleep:

  • Back to Sleep, Every Night and Every Nap. Until their first birthday, babies should always sleep on their back. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, infant carrier or sling, you should move him or her to a firm sleep surface on his or her back as soon as possible.
  • Use a firm sleep surface. Use a  crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Also use a tight-fitting, firm mattress and fitted sheet designed for that mattress.
  • Nothing else should be in the crib except the baby: No pillows, toys, stuffed animals, extra blankets or bumper pads. Hands-free swaddling is recommended until babies roll over. After that, a wearable blanket or footed pajamas are safe options.
  • Never leave your baby alone on a couch, sofa or armchair. This is an extremely dangerous place for your baby to sleep.
  • Share a room with your baby, but don’t share a bed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies sleep in the same room as their parents but not in the same bed for first 6 months of life. Ideally, this should continue until your baby turns 1.
  • Do not smoke during pregnancy or after your baby is born. Keep your home and car smoke-free, too.
  • Try giving a pacifier at nap time and nighttime. This helps reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death or SUID. If the pacifier falls out after your baby falls asleep, you don't need to put it back in.
  • Make sure your baby has awake tummy time every day.  Awake tummy time should be supervised by an adult. This helps your baby's motor development and prevents positional plagiocephaly (flat head).

Contact us

Call us at 503-494-3735 if:

  • You need a safe place for your baby to sleep.
  • You have questions.

Learn to set-up and fold away your Cribette