Safe sleep when parents are exhausted
Babies should sleep on their back, on a firm, flat surface of their own, with nothing else in the sleep space. When you are exhausted, plan who will watch the baby so you can rest safely.
Most important
If you feel yourself falling asleep
Put your baby down on their back in their own safe sleep space, or hand them to someone who is awake.
Important to know
- Back to sleep, every sleep.
- Firm, flat surface such as a crib or bassinet, with a fitted sheet.
- Keep soft objects, pillows and loose bedding out of the baby's sleep space.
- Sofas, armchairs and adult beds are not safe sleep places for babies.
Why
These steps lower the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, according to CDC.
What varies
Ask your baby's clinician about any special sleep instructions for your baby.
Questions to ask
- Can you show us how to set up a safe sleep space?
- What should we do if the baby will only sleep when held?
Prototype draft. Not yet clinically reviewed. Your own care team's instructions come first. About this app
Sources
Summaries are drafted from these public sources. No hospital has endorsed this app.
CDC · National newborn safety supplement
Helping Babies Sleep Safely(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Read from a search index copy
Applies to: National or state guidance, not a hospital procedure.
Limitations: Pair parent-rest guidance with this source; no adult-bed or sofa sleep implication.