Safe Sleep

Find your care

If you are a new patient seeking prenatal care, please call 310-794-7274. If you are an established patient and need to reach labor and delivery, call 310-825-9111 for Westwood or 424-259-9250 for Santa Monica.

See our outpatient OB/GYN locations

Infant Safe Sleep

Newborn babies sleep for many hours every day because their bodies are growing fast. A safe sleep area can help lower the risk for sleep-related death. Here are tips and resources to create a safe sleep space for your baby.

Where should my baby sleep?

Keep your baby in your room near your bed for at least the first 6 months after birth.
Place your baby on a firm, flat surface, covered only by a fitted sheet.
Do not use a car seat, carrier, swing or similar place for sleep.

What are the ABCs of safe sleep?

A – Alone. Babies are safest when they sleep alone.
B – Back. Always put your baby on their back when sleeping. Place baby in a wearable blanket or sleeper and offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime after breastfeeding is established.
C – Clutter free crib in caregiver’s room. A shared room and separate surface for baby to sleep is recommended for at least 6 months after birth. There should be no pillows, blankets or toys in the crib.

What other tips will help my baby sleep safely?

Breastfeed if possible
Avoid exposure to smoke, alcohol and illicit drugs
Avoid overheating and dress appropriately for temperature
Practice supervised awake tummy time to promote development
Avoid commercial positioning devices; check CPSC.gov for information about safety recalls
Stop swaddling when baby can roll over independently

Safe Sleep video