How to Do a #SafeSleepSnap Activity

A baby lies on its back in an empty crib.As a part of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, participants in the #SafeSleepSnap activity encouraged safe sleep for babies by sharing messages and images from Safe to Sleep® with the #SafeSleepSnap hashtag.

As a part of the campaign, participants:

  • Took a photo of baby in a safe sleep area and posted it on their own social media accounts.
  • If desired, included themselves with baby, next to the safe sleep area in the photo.
  • Had the option to make it fun by dressing baby in a fall-themed onesie or in a wearable blanket with their favorite design, a cute quote, or animated character.
  • Made sure photos followed the Before-You-Post Checklists guidance.
  • Used the #SafeSleepSnap hashtag in the post.
  • Invited their followers to post their own #SafeSleepSnap photos.

Explore our resources for participating in #SafeSleepSnap:

Before-You-Post Checklists

Review these checklists before you post to make sure your photo and message are ready:

Check Your Photos

  • Make sure you are using a safety-approved sleep space.*
  • Check whether the crib has been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • Place baby on their back. Baby can be asleep or awake for the photo.
  • Remove items from baby’s sleep space—including blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, pets, other children, or stuffed animals/toys. The space should have only a fitted sheet on a firm, flat, and level mattress.
  • Remove any infant sleep positioning products or devices, especially those that claim to “prevent” SIDS and sleep-related deaths.
  • Take off any apparel, such as a hat or bow, that could increase the risk of choking or strangulation.
  • If baby has a pacifier, make sure it is not clipped to baby’s clothing or attached to anything, such as a string or toy.
  • Have fun with your photos and posts!

*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, contact the CPSC at 1-800-638-2772 or http://www.cpsc.gov.

Think About Your Messages

  • Include a safe infant sleep message with your photo to help spread the word about safe sleep for babies. You can use these sample messages and images from Safe to Sleep® as inspiration.
  • Use #SafeSleepSnap and any other parenting hashtags that you follow or use on social media.
  • Consider making your Facebook post public so that your post can be seen and shared by others.
  • Consider making your Twitter or Instagram account public so that your photo can be seen by others who are using and following #SafeSleepSnap.

Share Posts From Others With Your Social Media Followers

Show your support of SIDS Awareness Month and partners by reposting/retweeting #SafeSleepSnap posts from others. Make sure you:

Photo Frame

Enhance your social media posts by adding this frame to your photo. Please note that to change the photo in the frame, you will need to use your preferred photo editing website, app, or software.

#SafeSleepSnap photo frame template.

Download #SafeSleepSnap photo frame template (PNG 76 KB)

Printable Flyer

Download and print this flyer to display in popular locations and share during community events.

Sample Images

Visit one of the following albums to get royalty-free sample photos of babies in safe sleep environments:

Add these images to your social media posts and activities during SIDS Awareness Month.

Need some inspiration? Explore sample messages and images from Safe to Sleep®.