For more than 30 years, parents and pediatricians have worked hard to make sleep safer for babies—and those efforts have saved countless lives. But recent data show that sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) are on the rise, and shifts in federal health priorities has left experts concerned about how safe sleep guidance will reach families.

Here’s what’s going on, what’s changed, and—most importantly—what parents can do to keep their little ones safe.

A Quick Look Back

In 1994, the Back to Sleep campaign (later renamed Safe to Sleep) taught parents across America to place babies on their backs for every sleep. That simple change cut SIDS rates dramatically. For decades, the campaign—led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—was the cornerstone of safe sleep education.

But this spring, NIH announced it will no longer lead the campaign, leaving non-profits and local health departments to carry the torch. Experts worry this could mean less consistent messaging—and fewer families getting the information they need.

The State of Safe Sleep in 2025

Rates Are Rising Again

A new JAMA Pediatrics study revealed that SUID cases jumped nearly 12% between 2020 and 2022. Sadly, most of these tragedies happened when more than one unsafe sleep practice—like bed-sharing, soft bedding, or sleeping on a couch—was at play.

Disparities Persist

Black babies are still more likely to die from sleep-related causes than white or Asian babies. Experts point to systemic factors like unequal access to healthcare, housing conditions, and culturally mismatched safe sleep messaging.

Unsafe Products Still Lurk

Inclined sleepers, padded crib bumpers, and other hazardous items have been banned—but they can still pop up on secondhand sites or in childcare settings.

The AAP’s 2025 Safe Sleep Guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to emphasize these lifesaving basics:

  • Back to sleep, every sleep. Always put your baby down on their back. (SNOO offers extra peace of mind in this department: The Smart Sleeper secures babies on their backs for all nights and naps! Learn more about how SNOO supports safe back-sleeping.)
  • Firm, flat surface. Use a crib, bassinet, or play yard—never a couch, armchair, or inclined sleeper.
  • Room-share, don’t bed-share. Keep Baby close by in your room (ideally for the first 6 months), but on their own sleep surface.
  • Keep Baby’s bed empty. That means no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals in the crib or bassinet.
  • Watch the temp. Overheating is a SIDS risk. Keep your baby comfy by setting the thermostat between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets chilly, dress them in a wearable blanket or sleep sack—never use loose blankets.
  • Add extra layers of protection. Breastfeeding if possible, staying up-to-date on vaccines, and offering a pacifier at naps and bedtime have all been linked to a reduced SIDS risk.

What This Means for Parents

With federal support for safe sleep initiatives waning, families may get mixed messages depending on where they live or who they talk to. That makes it even more important to know the essentials yourself—and share them with everyone who cares for your baby.

  • Talk with grandparents, babysitters, and childcare providers so they’re on the same page. (Here’s a guide to talking to caregivers about safe sleep.)
  • Double-check secondhand gear to make sure it meets current safety standards.
  • Ask your pediatrician if you’re unsure about any product or practice.

The Bottom Line

While it’s troubling to see SUID rates rising again—and the NIH stepping away from Safe to Sleep—the good news is that we know what works. A few simple steps, taken every time your baby sleeps, go a long way in protecting them. Safe sleep in 2025 may be facing new challenges, but your choices—to place your baby on their back, in their own space, on a firm flat surface without anything else in their bed—remain as powerful as ever.

More on Sleep Safety:

 

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REFERENCES

  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: History of the Safe to Sleep® Campaign
  • STAT: NIH Ends Participation in ‘Safe to Sleep’ Campaign to Prevent Infant Deaths, April 2025
  • Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections and the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, JAMA Pediatrics, 2025
  • Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths: 2015–2020, Pediatrics, April 2023
  • Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment, Pediatrics, July 2022
  • SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated Recommendations. Pediatrics. 2016; 138(5): e20162938.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.