Safe Infant Sleep
A Guide for Parents
Sleep Safety Isn’t a Luxury. It’s a Lifeline.
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), claims thousands of lives in the U.S. each year. The numbers tell the story – and underscore why safe infant sleep is critical:
We’re Teaming Up With First Candle
Our mission? To amplify the message that following safe infant sleep guidelines is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of SUID and SIDS. Moreover, we’re here to provide parents with clear, trusted, accessible guidance that you can put into practice. Every baby, every day, safer sleep.
Committed to Safer Infant Sleep
First Candle is a leading nonprofit dedicated to eliminating SUID and SIDS through education, advocacy and support for families. Their mission to promote safe infant sleep aligns with our own commitment to protecting babies and empowering parents with knowledge.
Learn MoreBaby Sleep Basics
Every baby deserves a safe start. This chart breaks down the essentials of safer sleep (and we’ll share these same educational tips with every crib mattress we send home!). Just remember: we’re not medical experts on SUID or SIDS, so we encourage parents to turn to pediatricians and leading health organizations for expert guidance.
Infant Sleep Training & Education
Looking for support beyond the basics? Learn more about safe sleep education in our stores and First Candle’s trusted resources.
Get Safe Sleep Support in Our Stores
By the end of 2025, every Naturepedic corporate store associate nationwide will be certified in safe sleep through First Candle’s training program. That means whenever you step into one of our stores, you’ll find a team ready to share knowledge, answer questions and be a resource for parents navigating safe infant sleep.
Find a Store
First Candle’s Resources for Families
First Candle goes beyond awareness to provide ongoing support, from community chats that create safe spaces for families to connect to free webinars on safe infant sleep (for parents at home and for professionals). And for families facing the unimaginable, First Candle offers bereavement support to ensure no one has to walk through loss alone.
Learn More
Interested in joining the safer sleep movement?
Shop Safer Sleep Products for Your Baby
Infant Safe Sleep FAQs
No. Babies should always be placed on their backs for sleep, both at night and during naps. Side sleeping can increase the risk of rolling onto the stomach, which is linked to higher rates of SIDS.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Having your baby sleep in the same room, but on a separate, safe sleep surface like a crib or bassinet, can lower the risk of SIDS while keeping your baby close.
A firm, flat sleep surface with a fitted crib sheet is safest. Avoid pillows, bumpers, sleep positioners, inclined sleepers and soft bedding, as these increase the risk of suffocation or entrapment.
The risk begins to decrease after about 8 months. However, safe sleep practices should continue for the entire first year.
SIDS occurs most often between 1 and 4 months of age. That’s why consistent safe sleep practices during this stage are especially important.
Research shows SIDS occurs more often in male infants than female infants, though the reasons for this difference are still being studied.
