Every Baby Deserves Safe Sleep. Every Family Deserves the Support to Make it Happen.
Sleep-related deaths are a leading cause of death among Oklahoma babies from 1 month to 1 year old. Following safe sleep recommendations can significantly reduce the risk. Raising a baby takes incredible effort, and safe sleep shouldn't add to your stress. Simple daily habits protect your baby's breathing for every single nap and bedtime.
Ali Dodd's Story
“We lost Shepard when he was only 11 weeks old, and it was completely preventable.” – Ali Dodd
What Does Safe Sleep Look Like?
Simple, everyday protection for every nap and bedtime.
Alone — Baby sleeps alone with no plush toys, pillows, heavy quilts or crib bumpers.
On their Back — Always place baby flat on their back to keep their tiny airway clear for every sleep.
In a clear Crib — A clear crib, bassinet or play yard with a firm mattress and tight fitted sheet.
Quick Safety Tips
Wearable Blankets: Swap loose blankets for a sleep sack to prevent overheating and airway blockage.
Flat Surfaces Only: Car seats, swings, bouncers, and nursing pillows are not safe for sleep; even for quick naps. Always transfer a sleeping baby to a firm, flat crib or bassinet.
Need A Safe Place for Your Baby to Sleep?
Safety Starts With You, and Support Starts Here.
If your family needs a crib or safe sleep gear, free local resources are available to ensure every child in Oklahoma has a safe sleep space.
Free Local Resources
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Trusted Safe Sleep Resources
Safe to Sleep Campaign (NICHD)
National guidance on reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Providers, Your Role in Safe Sleep
You play a vital role in protecting the babies in your care. Safe sleep isn’t just a best practice — it’s a responsibility.
Sleep-related deaths can happen in minutes. Whether you're in a center, home-based setting or caring for just one infant, your training and environment choices matter.
Are you following safe sleep practices? Ask yourself (and your coworkers):
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Are babies always placed on their backs, even for naps?
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Do you use only flat, firm surfaces like cribs or play yards?
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Are all blankets, pillows, toys and bumpers removed from sleep areas?
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Have all staff received safe sleep training and refreshers?
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Are parents informed of your safe sleep policy?
Shepard’s Law: What It Does — and What’s Still Missing
“We don’t stop these kinds of deaths without training, education, and better policies.” – Ali Dodd, founder of Shepard's Watch Action
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Ali Dodd helped Oklahoma pass Shepard’s Law to require safe sleep training in licensed child care.
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But gaps remain — ongoing reminders, training, and education are needed.
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Community awareness and advocacy are still critical.
"I didn’t want another Oklahoma family to go through what we went through that day and continue to go through.” – Ali Dodd
Anyone Can Help Spread the Word
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Share this page with other parents.
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Ask your child care provider how they handle sleep.
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Talk to your pediatrician about safe sleep.
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Get involved in local advocacy.
Safety Starts With You.
This webpage is supported by Grant Number 90TP0161-01-00 from the Office of Early Childhood Development within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Early Childhood Development.