Safe Infant Sleep

Yes. Multiple risks are associated with swaddling if done incorrectly. They include:

A swaddle is made using a thin or light blanket or the swaddle attachment on an infant’s
sleepwear to wrap a baby’s body snugly. The swaddle should wrap over the infant’s arms,
fasten securely only across the upper torso, and not constrict the hips or legs. Swaddles can restrict the movement of babies’ arms and legs and can cause injuries or even death when done incorrectly. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that swaddling should be discontinued as soon as babies begin to show signs that they are attempting to roll over on their own. Babies usually start to show signs of rolling over on their own around two months of age. Sleep sacks are an acceptable and preferred alternative to swaddle blankets because they can reduce babies’ risk of suffocation and entrapment. There are several designs and types of sleep sacks. However, an appropriate sleep sack is one that has not been recalled and allows for an infant’s arms and legs to move freely.
Some sleep sacks have swaddle attachments or a wrap that look like “wings” and are designed to fasten securely around an infant with Velcro® or other types of fasteners. Like other swaddles, sleep sacks with swaddle attachments are a cause for concern because when used incorrectly, they can increase the risk of injuries, suffocation, strangulation, and even death. They should not be used when a baby shows signs of attempting to roll over from their back onto their stomach.
Note: According to Minnesota Statute 245A.1435, licensed providers can only swaddle an
infant with a parent or guardian’s written permission and can never use a blanket to swaddle.

Yes. It is generally safe for infants to sleep in a sleep sack which allows their arms to be free and hips and legs to move once they start to roll over. This ensures that they are able to move about freely and can push themselves up when they start to roll over on their own. Babies should not wear sleep sacks with swaddle attachments or wraps once they start to roll over on their own because they could become entrapped or suffocate. Parents or caregivers are strongly encouraged to check on their babies periodically while they are asleep to ensure that they are safe.

Parents or caregivers should keep in mind that the CPSC does not test all
sleepwear. Therefore, just because an item has not been recalled does not mean that it has
been tested and deemed safe.

No. Not all products marketed or sold in stores or on the internet are safe for babies to sleep in. Parents or caregivers should be especially skeptical of any product such as mattresses or sleepwear that claim to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To determine if a product has ever been recalled, search the Recall List (https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls) or the SaferProducts.Gov (https://www.saferproducts.gov/PublicSearch) website.

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using weighted blankets in, on, or near an infant’s sleep space because they are not safe. For more information on safest sleep for infants, please refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations
(https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-RelatedInfant-Deaths-Updated-2022?autologincheck=redirected).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend using weighted sleepwear on infants because they are not safe. For more information, refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations
(https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-RelatedInfant-Deaths-Updated-2022?autologincheck=redirected).

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the safest position for infants under 1 year old to sleep and nap in is on their backs. Placing babies on their backs to sleep makes it easier for them to breathe, clear reflux or spit up, and helps to prevent choking, overheating, and suffocation. The diagram below shows that when babies are on their back, the location of their lungs in relation to their stomach makes it easier for them to clear fluids and prevents choking.

No. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) do not recommend that children under 2 years of age wear a mask to prevent them from getting the virus. This recommendation applies when they are awake or asleep, or when they are in childcare or at home. Wearing a mask can make it harder for infants and very young children to breathe, thereby increasing their risk of suffocation.