Alerts:  Nov. 12, 2024: Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak confirmed in Spokane County. SRHD urges parents and pregnant people to vaccinate. Read the press release.

Your Baby's Safe Sleep Plan

All of us want our babies to be safe. A safe sleep plan is an essential part of lowering your baby’s risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Creating and following a safe sleep plan is the most important thing you can do to reduce your baby’s risk of SUID. A safe sleep plan describes how a baby will sleep and includes strategies to reduce the baby’s risk of SUID.

What Should a Safe Sleep Plan Include?

The usual plan for how your baby will sleep, including:

  • Where your baby will sleep.
  • What surface your baby will be on when sleeping.
  • What your baby’s sleep environment will be like.
  • What your baby will be wearing during sleep.
  • What position your baby will be in when laid to sleep.

How your baby might sleep and what you will do in unexpected situations, like:

  • When visiting friends or family.
  • When traveling.
  • When you find your baby asleep in a way that is different than your usual plan.

Your usual plan for feeding or comforting your baby at night, including:

  • Who will feed or comfort your baby at night.
  • How they will feed or comfort your baby.
  • What they will do when your baby is done being fed or comforted.

Learn more about how to make your plan by watching the videos on this page!

To reduce SUID risk, the safest way for a baby to sleep is …


In the same room as you,
but not the same bed as you.


On a firm, flat and level surface,
such as a crib, bassinet, pack-and-play,
or cradleboard.


With no pillow, blankets,
toys or other soft objects.


Wearing pajamas and/or a
nonweighted sleep sack.


On their back at naps
and at nighttime.

Settling baby to support safe sleep

Safe sleep can feel very challenging! In these videos, a certified sleep consultant explains infant sleep needs and patterns, so that you know what to expect when caring for a baby, and shares techniques you can use to settle your baby to support safe sleep.

Expectations of Sleep Patterns

Techniques for 0-6-Month-Old Infant's Sleep

Techniques for 7-12-Month-Old Infant's Sleep

Other ways to reduce SUID risk

Do you have questions about safe sleep? We have evidence-based answers from experts in our community!

You’ve Got This!

And remember, share your plan with everyone who cares for your baby.

Safe Sleep Flyer and Booklet

For Medical, Social Service, and Child Care Professionals

SRHD has developed a webinar and a suite of safe sleep materials for medical, social service and childcare professionals. Learn more about available resources.

Organizations in Spokane County that would like to use these materials to promote safe sleep in our community can request printed copies by mail at no charge. If you are interested in receiving these free resources, complete the request form linked below.

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)

Learn More