2020 SIDS Awareness Month #SafeSleepSnap Digital Toolkit
In recognition of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, the #SafeSleepSnap activity encourages safe infant sleep advocates and infant caregivers to come together on social media to share safe infant sleep images and messages, help normalize safe sleep practices, and celebrate the role that all caregivers have in keeping baby safe during every sleep.
This digital toolkit offers resources and guidance to help you or your organization plan and participate in #SafeSleepSnap during SIDS Awareness Month. In addition to raising awareness about safe infant sleep, we hope you will have fun with #SafeSleepSnap, so be creative! Feel free to tailor the sample materials to meet your organization’s tone, messaging needs, and audience engagement goals.
YOU'RE INVITED!
SAFE INFANT SLEEP SOCIAL MEDIA BLOCK PARTY
October 26 through October 29, Facebook Live
Celebrate safe infant sleep with Charlie's Kids, Cribs for Kids®, First Candle, and NICHD in recognition of SIDS Awareness Month. Learn more.
Please refer to this digital toolkit as often as you need before, during, and after SIDS Awareness Month. If you have any questions that are not answered by this toolkit, please contact nichdSafetoSleep@mail.nih.gov.
You can also watch the recording of the initial SIDS Awareness Month 2020 Activities
Webinar, from June, for an in-depth walkthrough of the #SafeSleepSnap activity, including social media best practices, how-to examples from last year’s activity, and an overview of this year’s Social Media Block Party.
Thank you for supporting #SafeSleepSnap. We look forward to seeing your photos on social media!
How to Participate
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to have fun and be creative with this activity.
It’s easy! Just post a photo of a baby in a safe sleep area or of baby and caregiver(s) next to a safe sleep area on your own social media accounts, using the #SafeSleepSnap hashtag.
Parents and caregivers can show other family members in their photos as well, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and child care providers (nannies and babysitters).
Childcare service providers and organizations can join the fun by promoting this activity on their social media channels and asking their audiences to participate.
Each week in October, we will focus our messaging on one action to help reduce the risk of SIDS.
We encourage you to participate in each weekly theme to help us spread the word about key safe infant sleep practices. See the Sample Posts and Language sections for suggested messages to post each week.
Week 1 (October 4–10)
Always place baby on his or her back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Week 2 (October 11–17)
Use a firm and flat mattress in a safety-approved crib,* free of soft and loose bedding, such as bumpers, stuffed animals and blankets.
*A crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that follows the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recommended. For information on crib safety, visit https://www.cpsc.gov or contact CPSC at 1-800-638-2772.
Week 3 (October 18–24)
Share your room with baby. Keep baby close to your bed but on a separate surface, for example, in their own crib or bassinet.
Week 4 (October 25–31)
Breastfeed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Sample Social Media Posts
Posting the right message with a supporting image is key to spreading the word about safe infant sleep on social media.
You can use the following social media posts to encourage participation and to highlight images of infants sleeping safely.
You can tailor the sample social media posts to speak to your community. Don’t forget to be creative! For example, including emojis is a great, fun way to capture attention.
If you do tailor the posts, be sure to always include #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word about safe sleep for babies.
A Note About Hashtags (#): In addition to using #SafeSleepSnap, be sure to include hashtags that are most relevant for your community. The following hashtags were selected because of their relevance and their popularity across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Quick Tip: Facebook posts with one or two hashtags tend to get the most engagement. You can replace hashtags in the sample posts with ones more appropriate for your audience and/or organization.
General Posts
It’s a snap! This #SIDSAwarenessMonth, take a photo of your baby, grandbaby, niece, or nephew sleeping safely and post it with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the message about safe sleep areas. Remember, babies sleep safest on their backs. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Snap a pic to promote safe sleep for #SIDSAwarenessMonth. Share your safe infant sleep photos with #SafeSleepSnap to spread the word about safe infant sleep areas to help reduce the risk of SIDS. Remember, babies sleep safest on their backs. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
It only takes a quick snap to help spread the word about safe infant sleep areas during #SIDSAwarenessMonth! Post a photo of your infant sleeping safely, with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
During #SIDSAwarenessMonth, help us promote safe infant sleep. Snap a photo of your baby, grandbaby, niece, or nephew in a safe sleep area and share it with your friends and family with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. Remember, babies sleep safest on their backs. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Moms and dads: Show your friends and family what safe sleep for baby looks like! Snap a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area and post it on your social media accounts with #SafeSleepSnap during the month of October for #SIDSAwarenessMonth. Remember, safe sleep areas such as cribs or bassinets should include a firm, flat mattress and be free of soft and loose items, such as stuffed toys and blankets. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Grandparents: October is #SIDSAwarenessMonth. Raise awareness of safe infant sleep guidelines to show friends and family how to reduce the risk of #SIDS. Share a photo of your grandbaby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap on your social media accounts. Remember, babies sleep safest on their backs. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
To promote safe sleep during #SIDSAwarenessMonth, I snapped a photo of my little one sleeping safely. Join me in spreading the word about safe sleep for babies by posting your safe sleep photo with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Week 1 (October 4–10): Always place baby on his or her back to sleep.
The back sleep position carries the lowest risk of SIDS and is recommended for all babies, including preterm babies, until they are 1 year old. Help us spread the word by posting a pic of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J
DYK? Placing baby to sleep on his or her back can help to reduce the risk of #SIDS. Let’s show everyone how to practice safe sleep! Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J
Week 2 (October 11–17): Use a firm and flat surface in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet and free of soft and loose bedding, crib bumpers, stuffed animals, and toys.
Babies should sleep on a firm and flat mattress in a crib, bassinet, or play yard, free of loose and soft items such as toys, crib bumpers, and blankets. Spread the word by posting a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J
A firm, flat mattress in a clutter-free crib, bassinet, or play yard is the best sleep area to help reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death. Post a photo of your baby’s safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word about safe sleep during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J
Week 3 (October 18–24): Share your room with baby. Keep baby close to your bed but on a separate surface, for example, in their own crib or bassinet.
Room sharing helps reduce the risk of #SIDS. Put baby on his or her own separate sleep area (a crib or bassinet) next to your bed. Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Having a separate safe sleep area for baby (a crib or bassinet) in the same room where you sleep helps to reduce the risk of #SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death. Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Week 4 (October 25–31): Breastfeed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Babies who breastfeed or are fed breastmilk are at lower risk for #SIDS. Be sure to also practice safe sleep while feeding your baby to help reduce the risk of SIDS. Help us spread the word! Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area and tell your family and friends that you practice safe sleep while #breastfeeding by using the #SafeSleepSnap hashtag during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
If you bring baby into your bed to #breastfeed, put him or her back in a separate safe sleep area (a crib or bassinet) when finished. Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
If you’re feeling tired before or during #breastfeeding, ask someone to help you place baby back in his or her separate sleep area (a crib or bassinet) when feeding is over or if you fall asleep. This helps reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #SafeToSleep http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
Feeling tired before or during #breastfeeding? Set a timer for every few minutes to help you stay awake and put baby back in a separate #safesleep area (a crib or bassinet) when done or if you fall asleep. Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to spread the word. #SIDSAwarenessMonth http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
Quick Tip: Instagram has a limit of 30 hashtags per post, and using around 11 hashtags in a post increases engagement. You can replace hashtags in the sample posts with ones more appropriate for your audience and/or organization.
General Posts
It’s a snap! This #SIDSAwareness Month, take a photo of your #baby, #grandbaby, #niece, or #nephew in a #safesleep area and post it with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the message about #safesleep. Remember, #babies sleep safest on their backs. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Snap a photo for #SIDSAwareness Month! Share your #safesleep photos with #SafeSleepSnap to spread the word about safe #infantsleep to help reduce the risk of #SIDS. Remember, #babies sleep safest on their backs. #mom #SafeSleep #baby #dad #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
It only takes a quick snap to help spread the word about safe #infantsleep during #SIDSAwareness Month! Post a photo of your #infant in a #safesleep area with hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. #SafeSleep #mom #dad #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
During #SIDSAwareness Month help us promote safe #infantsleep! Snap a photo of your #baby, #grandbaby, #niece, or #nephew in a #safesleep area and share it with your followers with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. Remember, #babies sleep safest on their backs. #InstaBaby #infant #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
#Mom and #Dad: Show your friends and family what #safesleep for #baby looks like. Snap a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area and post it on your social media accounts with #SafeSleepSnap during the month of October for #SIDSAwareness Month. Remember, safe sleep areas (such as cribs or bassinets) should include a firm, flat mattress and be free of soft and loose items, such as stuffed toys and blankets. #newborn #InstaBaby #NewParents #NewBaby #ParentTips #MomToBe #DadToBe #moms #dads #infant #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
#Grandma and #Grandpa: October is #SIDSAwareness Month. Raise awareness of #safesleep guidelines to show your friends and family how to reduce the risk of #SIDS. Share a photo of your #grandbaby in a safe crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap on your social media accounts. Remember, #babies sleep safest on their backs! #newborn #InstaBaby #grandkids #NewBaby #grandparents #infant #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
To promote safe sleep during #SIDSAwareness Month, I snapped a pic of my little one sleeping safely. Join me in spreading the word about safe #infantsleep areas by posting your #safesleep photo with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. #mom #dad #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Week 1 (October 4–10): Always place baby on his or her back to sleep.
The back sleep position carries the lowest risk for #SIDS and is recommended for #babies, including #preterm babies, until they are 1 year old. Help spread the word by posting a photo of your #baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap during #SIDSAwareness Month. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J
DYK? Placing baby to sleep on his or her back can help to reduce the risk of #SIDS. Let’s show everyone how to practice safe sleep! Post a photo of your #baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap during #SIDSAwareness Month. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #InfantSleep #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J
Week 2 (October 11–17): Use a firm and flat surface in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet and free of soft and loose bedding, crib bumpers, stuffed animals, and toys.
Babies should sleep on a firm and flat mattress in a crib, bassinet, or play yard, free of loose and soft items such as toys, crib bumpers, and blankets. Spread the word by posting a photo of your baby in a #safesleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap during #SIDSAwareness Month. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J
A firm, flat mattress in a clutter-free crib, bassinet, or play yard is the best sleep area to help reduce the risk of #SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death. Post a photo of your #baby’s #safesleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwareness Month. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J
Week 3 (October 18–24): Share your room with baby. Keep baby close to your bed but on a separate surface, for example, in their own crib or bassinet.
Room sharing reduces the risk of #SIDS. Put #baby on his or her own separate sleep area (a crib or bassinet) next to your bed. Post a photo of your baby in a #safesleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwareness Month. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #BabyCuddles #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Having a separate #safesleep area for baby (a crib or bassinet) in the same room where you sleep helps to reduce the risk of #SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death. Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwareness Month. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #breastfeeding #BreastfeedingMom #lactation #BreastfeedingJourney #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Week 4 (October 25–31): Breastfeed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
#Babies who #breastfeed or are fed #breastmilk are at lower risk for #SIDS. Be sure to practice #safesleep while feeding to also help reduce the risk of SIDS. Help us spread the word! Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area and tell your family and friends that you practice safe sleep while #breastfeeding by using the #SafeSleepSnap hashtag during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #breastfeeding #BreastfeedingMom #lactation #BreastfeedingJourney #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
If you bring #baby into your bed to #breastfeed, put him or her back in a separate #safesleep area (a crib or bassinet) when finished. Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwareness Month. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #breastfeeding #BreastfeedingMom #lactation #BreastfeedingJourney #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
If you’re feeling tired before or during #breastfeeding, ask someone to help you place baby back in his or her separate sleep area (a crib or bassinet) when feeding is over or if you fall asleep. This helps reduce the risk of #SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Post a photo of your baby in a #safesleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwareness Month. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #BreastfeedingMom #lactation #BreastfeedingJourney #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
Feeling tired before or during #breastfeeding? Set a timer every few minutes to help you stay awake and put #baby back in a separate #safesleep area (a crib or bassinet) when done. Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to spread the word. #mom #dad #MomToBe #DadToBe #grandma #grandpa #auntie #uncle #newborn #InstaBaby #infant #BreastfeedingMom #lactation #BreastfeedingJourney #SleepyBaby #naptime #SafeToSleep Link in bio: http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
Quick Tip: To maximize your engagement, we recommend using no more than three hashtags per tweet.You can replace hashtags in the sample posts with ones more appropriate for your audience and/or organization.
General Posts
It’s a snap! This #SIDSAwarenessMonth, take a pic of your baby in a safe sleep area and post it w/ the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the message about safe infant sleep areas. Remember, babies sleep safest on their backs. http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0 #InfantSafety #SafeToSleep
Snap a pic to promote #safesleep! For #SIDSAwarenessMonth, share your safe infant sleep pics with #SafeSleepSnap to spread the word about safe infant sleep areas to help reduce the risk of #SIDS. Remember, babies sleep safest on their backs. http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0 #InfantSafety
It takes only a quick snap to spread the word about #safeinfantsleep during #SIDSAwarenessMonth! Post a pic of your infant in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0 #InfantSafety #SafeToSleep
During #SIDSAwarenessMonth, help us promote safe infant sleep. Snap a pic of your baby and share it with your followers with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. Remember, babies sleep safest on their backs. http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0 #InfantSafety #SafeToSleep
Moms & dads: Show your friends & family what safe sleep for baby looks like! Snap a pic of baby in a safe sleep area & share it with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0 #SafeToSleep
Grandparents: October is #SIDSAwarenessMonth. Raise awareness of safe infant sleep guidelines by sharing a pic of your grandbaby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. Remember, babies sleep safest on their backs. http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0 #SafeToSleep
To promote safe sleep during #SIDSAwarenessMonth, I snapped a pic of my little one in a safe sleep area. Join me in spreading the word about safe sleep areas by posting your safe sleep photo with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0 #SafeToSleep
Week 1 (October 4–10): Always place baby on his or her back to sleep.
The back sleep position carries the lowest risk of #SIDS and is recommended for all babies until they are 1 year old. Help us spread the word by posting a pic of your baby sleeping in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J #InfantSafety
DYK? Placing baby to sleep on his/her back can help to reduce the risk of #SIDS. Let’s show everyone how to practice safe sleep! Post a photo of your #baby in a safe sleep area, w/ the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J #InfantSafety #SIDSAwarenessMonth
Week 2 (October 11–17): Use a firm and flat surface in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet and free of soft and loose bedding, crib bumpers, stuffed animals, and toys.
Babies should sleep on a firm and flat mattress in a crib, bassinet, or play yard, free of loose and soft items such as toys, crib bumpers, and blankets. Spread the word by posting a pic of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J
A firm, flat mattress in a clutter-free crib, bassinet, or play yard is the best sleep area to help reduce your baby’s risk of #SIDS. Post a photo of your baby’s #safesleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word. http://bit.ly/2AO7I9J #SafeToSleep
Week 3 (October 18–24): Share your room with baby. Keep baby close to your bed but on a separate surface, for example, in their own crib or bassinet.
Room sharing helps to reduce the risk of #SIDS. Put baby in a separate sleep area (a crib/bassinet) next to your bed. Post a pic of your baby in a #safesleep area w/ the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word. http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0 #SafeToSleep #SIDSAwarenessMonth
Having a separate #safesleep surface for baby next to your bed helps reduce the risk of #SIDS. Post a photo of your baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word during #SIDSAwarenessMonth. http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0 #SafeToSleep
Week 4 (October 25–31): Breastfeed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Be sure to practice #safesleep while feeding to help reduce the risk of #SIDS. Spread the word! Post a pic of your baby in a safe sleep area and let everyone know that you practice safe sleep while #breastfeeding, using the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
If you bring baby into your bed to #breastfeed, put him/her back in a separate sleep area when finished. Post a pic of your baby after their feeding in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to help spread the word. http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns #SafeToSleep
Feeling tired before/during #breastfeeding? Ask someone to help by putting baby back in a separate sleep area when feeding is over/if you fall asleep. Spread the word: Post a pic of baby in a safe sleep area with the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns #SIDS
Feeling tired before/during #breastfeeding? Set a timer every few min. to help you stay awake & put baby back in a separate #safesleep area when done. Post a pic of your baby in a safe sleep area w/ the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap to spread the word. http://bit.ly/2CGk7Ns
Flyer (New!), Graphics, and Expanded Photo Gallery
Share these downloadable graphics and photos on social media and beyond.
In addition, you can print out the promotional flyer and hand it out at events or hang it up on bulletin boards.
Download and print this flyer to share during any upcoming community events in your area.
These social media graphics can help promote and encourage participation across your social media platforms. Select any of the following images to download it to your device. For additional safe infant sleep photos, please visit NICHD’s Flickr page.
These social media graphics can help promote and encourage participation across your social media platforms. For additional safe infant sleep photos, please visit NICHD’s Flickr page.
Use this frame to dress up your social media posts. Please note that to change the photo in the frame, you’ll need to use your preferred photo editing website, app, or software.
Find photos of babies sleeping safety through one of the following links:
Copy and paste this sample email and other language to share across your different communication channels (i.e., listservs, e-newsletters, and webpages).
Subject line: It’s a snap for SIDS Awareness Month! Spread the word about safe infant sleep.
Dear caregivers:
To help raise awareness about safe infant sleep during Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month in October, we’re inviting you to participate in a fun and friendly photo activity called #SafeSleepSnap.
Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles—anyone can participate by sharing a photo of a baby in a safe sleep area on their social media accounts. Make sure you use the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap so everyone can see the adorable pictures of babies in safe sleep areas.
(Not sure what a safe sleep area looks like? Check out this page for details.)
Here are the specifics:
Post a photo of your baby, grandbaby, niece, or nephew in or next to a safe sleep area on your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
Use the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap in the post. This is how we’ll know you participated!
Give yourself kudos for taking part in #SafeSleepSnap and helping raise awareness about safe infant sleep.
Be creative! Practicing safe infant sleep can be fun. Creativity and humor are encouraged in the photos and captions, as long as the baby’s sleep area follows safe sleep recommendations. This album includes examples you can use as inspiration.
This is your opportunity to both show off your cutie and help other caregivers see that safe infant sleep can be fun!
We will also be posting #SafeSleepSnap photos on our accounts throughout October. Please like the photos, retweet them, and share them with your friends and followers.
We look forward to seeing your #SafeSleepSnap!
Parents and caregivers, you’re invited to participate in a fun and friendly photo activity called #SafeSleepSnap! Show off your cutie and help raise awareness about safe infant sleep during Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month in October. All caregivers, including moms, dads, grandparents, and more, can participate by posting a photo of their little one in or next to a safe infant sleep area and using the hashtag #SafeSleepSnap. (Not sure what a safe sleep area looks like? Check out this page for details.)
How to Handle Unsafe Sleep Images
It is likely that you will receive submissions or be tagged in images that show an unsafe sleep area or do not follow safe infant sleep guidelines. Though we don’t recommend posting or sharing those photos, they offer a good teaching opportunity.
You may want to email or direct message the person to respectfully remind them what a safe infant sleep area looks like.
There are a few options for engaging the poster about safe infant sleep do’s:
Send a direct message to the account that posted the image, gently note why the image doesn’t show safe sleep, and offer both tips for addressing the risks and links to resources to learn more.
Leave a comment on the post that kindly explains why the area is unsafe and offers suggestions for how to make it safe for infant sleep.
Remember, it is important to offer helpful, kind, and non-accusatory feedback. We are here to be safety resources, not to judge. To help, we provided draft language to respond to unsafe sleep messages. Feel free to use as a direct message/email (recommended) or a comment on the post.
Short social media message/post: Thank you for your #SafeSleepSnap post! We noticed the photo doesn’t follow all of the AAP safe infant sleep guidelines. We invite you to check out this link and consider reposting to help us spread the word about safe infant sleep: http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0
Long social media message/post: Thank you for your #SafeSleepSnap post. We’re reaching out because we noticed that your photo doesn’t follow all of the AAP safe infant sleep guidelines. Here’s a checklist to help you set up a safe infant sleep area http://bit.ly/2WDRkk0. We appreciate your efforts and want others to see your baby sleeping safely, so we hope you’ll consider reposting a photo that follows the safe infant sleep guidelines. If you have any questions, please let us know!
Draft email message:
Dear [Participant’s Name]:
Thank you for your #SafeSleepSnap post of your adorable little one! We appreciate your efforts to spread the word about safe infant sleep. Unfortunately, your picture does not meet all of the recommendations for safe infant sleep.
According to the latest safe infant sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a safe sleep area is a firm, flat mattress in a crib, bassinet, or play yard, free of soft and loose items, such as toys and blankets. Babies should also always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
We invite you to review this safe sleep flyer for details on how to create a safe infant sleep area.
We encourage you to take new pictures of baby in a safe sleep area and post them to your social media accounts. Be sure to use #SafeSleepSnap in your posts!
Thank you again for your participation in the #SafeSleepSnap. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Best,
[Add signature and name of participating organization(s)]
Before-You-Post Checklist (NEW!)
Thank you for participating in #SafeSleepSnap! Use this checklist before you post to make sure your photo and message are ready to go.
Photos
To help ensure your photo follows expert guidance, please make sure your photos show the following before posting:
☐ Make sure your baby’s sleep space is completely free of clutter—no blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, pets, other children, or stuffed animals—only a fitted sheet on a firm, flat mattress.
☐ Baby can be asleep or awake on his or her back in the photo.
☐ Remove any products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.
☐ Baby should not be wearing any loose items such as a hat or bow.
☐ If baby has a pacifier, it should not be clipped to baby’s clothing or attached to anything such as a string, toy, or lovey.
☐ Have fun and be creative with your photos and posts!
Messages
In addition to posting your photo, we encourage you to post a safe infant sleep message to help spread the word about safe infant sleep during SIDS Awareness Month.
☐ Remember to use #SafeSleepSnap and any other parenting hashtags you follow or use on social media.
☐ If you are posting on Facebook and want your post to be reshared, consider making your post public. Doing so will allow others to see your post.
☐ If you are posting on Twitter or Instagram and want your photo to be seen by others using and following #SafeSleepSnap, consider making your account public.
Engage
☐ Show your support by reposting/retweeting #SafeSleepSnap posts from others!
☐ Comment on #SafeSleepSnap photos that follow the safe infant sleep guidelines.
☐ Respond to questions and share links to credible resources for more information.
Additional Resources
When promoting your activity to your followers and friends, consider providing one of the following links that offer guidance to caregivers for taking their #SafeSleepSnap photos:
National Action Partnership to Promote Safe Sleep Improvement and Innovation Network (NAPPSS-INN)
An initiative to make safe infant sleep and breastfeeding the national norm by aligning stakeholders to test safety bundles in multiple care settings to improve the likelihood that infant caregivers and families receive consistent, evidence-based instruction about safe sleep and breastfeeding.
Safe to Sleep® Campaign Website
This website provides information and materials about safe infant sleep, safe infant sleep environments, and ways to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death. The campaign also provides digital content that you can use to spread the word about safe infant sleep.
2018 and 2019 #SafeSleepSnap Rewind
Each year, we fix, tweak, and update our #SafeSleepSnap resources to make the activity even more fun and engaging. Take a look at past years’ #SafeSleepSnap toolkits and posts to see how this social media activity has changed over time.
The #SafeSleepSnap activity was introduced in 2018 as a friendly, 2-week competition between National Institutes of Health (NIH) and CDC employees. It resulted in submissions of 44 photos of infants in safe sleep areas. The #SafeSleepSnap hashtag was used 45 times across social media in October 2018.
In 2019, NICHD and its collaborators expanded the #SafeSleepSnap activity to the public. Participants included advocates and organizations with an interest in safe infant sleep. This effort resulted in at least 80 consumer-submitted photos and more than 700 social media messages by at least 350 authors.