Learn what not to put in a baby's crib
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of death among infants 1 to 12 months old in the U.S. A safe crib can help reduce the risk of this sleep-related tragedy.
Safe cribs, safe sleep
Set the stage for safe sleep by banishing these five items from your baby's crib.
- Stuffed toys.
- Pillows.
- Blankets, quilts, comforters or sheepskins.
- Bumper pads.
- Loose sheets.
It's also crucial to always put a baby on his or her back to sleep. It's the safest sleep position for an infant—for naps and at night.
Learn more about keeping your baby safe.
Reviewed 6/16/2026
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. "How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "About SUID and SIDS." https://www.cdc.gov/sudden-infant-death/about/index.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "National Vital Statistics Reports: Infant Mortality in the United States, 2024." https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr75/nvsr75-03.pdf.
- National Library of Medicine. "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome." https://medlineplus.gov/suddeninfantdeathsyndrome.html.
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