10 Tips for Safe Sleep for Babies

1. Keep cribs free of stuff

Cribs and bassinets should be kept clear of blankets, pillows, bedding, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys. Avoid attaching any items to the crib slats, including toys or pacifiers, as they can pose suffocation or strangulation risk. Never put your baby to sleep if any of these items are present in their sleep environment.

2. Swaddle

Instead of blankets, opt for a snug-fitting swaddle to keep your baby cozy. There are a wide range of swaddles available, from wrap-style to zippered or velcro designs. Choose one that’s easy for you to use and ensures your baby stays securely wrapped without wriggling free.

3. Don’t bed-share

Always put your baby to sleep in their own crib or bassinet. While sharing a bed with your baby, also known as co-sleeping or bed-sharing, might seem cute and cozy, it poses a risk of accidentally rolling onto your baby and causing suffocation.

Bed sharing includes sleeping in your bed with a baby placed in a baby pod, cushioned mat, or Dock-A-Tot. These products are not intended for sleep and should not be used for sleep time.

4. Back to sleep

Always put your newborn baby to sleep on their back. Placing them on their belly or side increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), some babies will roll onto their stomach. Nevertheless, always place your baby on their back to sleep first. Once your baby has developed the ability to roll over both ways, there’s no need to constantly reposition them onto their back to sleep.

If your baby starts rolling, typically around the 3 or 4-month mark, be sure to swaddle them with their arms out or use a sleep sack instead. Rolling babies may shift onto their side or stomach, and having their arms free allows them to use their hands and arms to push up their head from the mattress if needed.

5. Use a safe crib or bassinet

While your grandma might suggest using the same crib your mother slept in, it’s highly unlikely that it meets current safety standards. Always opt for a crib or bassinet that adheres with the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC-certified cribs meet current safety standards to ensure a safe sleeping environment for your baby. Never use cribs that have been recalled, have broken pieces or parts, or are missing hardware.

We know it’s not what you want to hear, but if your newborn nods off in a car seat, stroller, or swing, it’s a good idea to transfer them to their crib or bassinet as soon as possible.

6. Share a room with your baby

The AAP suggests room sharing with your baby, ideally for the first six months, because it significantly reduces the risk of SIDS. Placing your baby’s crib or bassinet near your bed makes it easier to keep an eye on and hear your baby during the night, making those middle-of-the-night feeds much more manageable.

7. Keep the room cool

You might have heard that babies tend to sleep better in cooler environments, and experts often suggest maintaining the room temperature between 68°F and 72°F. This safe sleep tip isn’t just about comfort – it’s also crucial for safer sleep, as overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Avoid overdressing your baby (hats are a no-go!) and opt for breathable fabrics to help them stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.

8. Use a pacifier

If your baby is willing to take a pacifier, consider offering it to them both during naptime and bedtime. While the exact reasons are not fully understood, pacifiers have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of SIDS. Babies who use pacifiers during sleep might experience lighter sleep and may find it easier to wake up if they have trouble breathing.