This week, news broke that the federal government ended its Safe to Sleep public health campaign.[1] The Safe to Sleep program helped raise awareness on how to prevent sleep-related infant deaths, the leading cause of death for babies in the U.S.
While a big decrease in infant deaths followed the campaign's 1994 launch, that number has sadly gone up in recent years.[2] Many moms are still unsure about safe sleep practices, including many Gen Z parents, a new What to Expect survey of more than 800 moms shows. Here are three pointers that can cause confusion, especially for younger moms and dads.
- The federal government is ending the Safe to Sleep public health campaign.
- Many parents — including 3 in 10 Gen Z moms — don't know that it's safest to put babies to sleep on their backs.
- Guidance around pajamas (snug-fitting is best) and cribs (watch out for hand-me-downs) also trips parents up.
Gen Z moms are less likely to know that babies need to sleep on their backs
Only 71% of Gen Z parents (age 28 and younger) in What to Expect's poll know that putting babies to sleep on their backs is a safe sleep practice, compared to 82% of Millennials.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises putting babies to sleep on their backs for all naps and at night.[3]
Putting your little one down tummy-up reduces the risk of sudden and unexpected infant death syndrome (SUID). (If your budding acrobat has already mastered rolling both ways, then you don't need to move him to his back if he flips over — and skip swaddling him before bed.)
Gen Z moms are also less likely to know that babies need snug-fitting pajamas
You've bathed your duckling — now it's time to get dressed for storytime. Pajamas and sleep sacks can keep your little one cozy at night, but you want to make sure they're the right size.
"Loose-fitting pajamas can be a safety hazard in the crib," says Micah Resnick, M.D., a pediatrician in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Board. "Excess fabric can bunch up, potentially covering the baby's face and increasing the risk of suffocation. Snug-fitting pajamas reduce this risk."
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However, only 43% of Gen Z recognize this as a safe sleep practice, as opposed to 59% of Millennials, the What to Expect poll shows.
You'll know if your baby's pajamas or sleep sack is the right size if:
- It fits close to your baby's body without being restrictive. You should be able to easily slip a finger between the fabric and your baby's skin.
- The neck and arm openings are snug, but not tight enough to leave red marks or restrict movement.
- The waistband (if there is one) is secure, but doesn't dig into your baby's stomach.
- Your baby can straighten his legs, but the sleep sack or pajamas aren't long enough to wrap around or come up over the face.
Different brands can have slightly different sizing; always check the manufacturer's size chart based on your baby's weight and length.
Everyone is confused about when a hand-me-down crib is okay
Every parent, not just Gen Z moms and dads, can benefit from a refresher on safe sleep practices. For example, most moms don't know the guidelines when it comes to hand-me-down cribs: 41% say they're as safe as new cribs and 22% aren't sure. (There was no statistically significant difference between Millennials and Gen Z parents that What to Expect surveyed.)
"It's wise to be cautious when using a hand-me-down crib to ensure your baby's safety," Dr. Resnick says. Here's when it might be okay and what to consider:
- Was the crib made in 2011 or later? The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued new safety standards in June 2011 that banned drop-side cribs and included stricter requirements for mattress support, hardware durability, and safety testing. Cribs made after that date meet these important guidelines, but older ones may not.
- Has it been recalled? Check for recalls on the CPSC website or by contacting the manufacturer directly with the model number and date of manufacture.
- Does it have all of the original parts? A hand-me-down crib should have all of its screws, bolts, slats, and support pieces in good working order.
- Do you have a copy of the instructions? You'll need the original assembly instructions to make sure it's put together correctly.
- Is it in good condition? Look for loose joints, cracks, splinters, or sharp edges. If you find any, don't attempt to repair them; try to get a different crib instead.
- Can you buy a new mattress that fits? Old ones can harbor bacteria, mold, and allergens, and they can soften over time. A new mattress is more hygienic and firm enough for infant sleep. Make sure it fits snugly; you shouldn't be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame.
Many parents have heard about safe sleep practices — most in the What to Expect poll know to use a firm mattress and that they shouldn't put any blankets and stuffed animals in the crib. But there's still more that everyone can learn about safe infant sleep.
Maybe you just became a mom, or your friend or sister is about to join the club. No matter where you are on your parenting journey, it's important to spread the word. Help out other moms by sharing these best practices so that every baby can go safely to sleep.
"Safe sleep has reduced the number of infant sleep deaths," says Gina Posner, M.D., a pediatrician in Fountain Valley, California, and a member of the What to Expect Medical Board. "It's proven to work, so it's important to keep talking about it even if the government is not."
Methodology
The Everyday Health Group Pregnancy & Parenting Talk to Moms Monthly Poll was conducted by Everyday Health Group – Pregnancy and Parenting between February 28 and March 6, 2025 and March 28 and April 2, 2025. We surveyed 805 women ages 18 to 44 who have at least one child 0 to 5 years old.
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