When your baby drifts off to sleep, it’s a precious moment, but as a new parent, you might find yourself constantly checking to ensure they’re still breathing.
This concern isn’t without reason: the CDC reports about 3,500 sleep-related infant deaths in the U.S. every year.
Thankfully, experts have developed simple and effective guidelines to ensure your baby sleeps safely.
Here are 10 essential tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that every parent should follow.
1. Ensure Your Crib Meets Safety Standards
The first step to safe sleep is ensuring your crib, bassinet, or play yard complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
Avoid cribs with drop sides, as these have been banned since 2012 due to the risks of suffocation and strangulation. Make sure the crib structure is sturdy, and all parts are secure.
2. Use a Firm Sleep Surface
Babies should always sleep on a firm surface. While adults enjoy soft mattresses, babies need a firm crib mattress with a tight-fitting sheet.
The mattress should fit snugly, leaving no more than two fingers’ width between the mattress and the crib walls to avoid trapping hazards.
3. Always Place Baby on Their Back to Sleep
Regardless of whether it’s nap time or bedtime, always put your baby to sleep on their back. This position is crucial in preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
In the past, parents were encouraged to put babies on their stomachs to prevent choking, but studies have shown that back sleeping provides better airflow and significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.
As your baby grows and can roll independently, there’s no need to reposition them if they roll onto their stomach.
However, continue placing them on their back until they’re at least 1 year old.
4. Keep the Crib Free of Objects
While it might be tempting to decorate your baby’s crib with blankets and toys, it’s crucial to keep the crib completely clear.
No blankets, pillows, toys, or bumper pads should be present, as they pose suffocation risks.
If you’re concerned about keeping your baby warm, opt for a wearable blanket or sleep sack, which is safe and cozy without the risk of loose bedding.
Avoid using sleep positioners or devices meant to prop your baby, as they can increase the risk of suffocation.
Even babies with reflux are safer sleeping flat on their backs.
5. Offer a Pacifier for Sleep
Introducing a pacifier can help reduce the risk of SIDS. Studies suggest that pacifiers may promote better airflow or provide a barrier to suffocation risks.
You can offer your baby a pacifier for sleep, but it’s best to wait until breastfeeding is well-established, usually after two to three weeks.
If your baby doesn’t take to pacifiers, don’t worry—it’s not essential, and their sleep safety isn’t compromised.
6. Swaddle Your Baby (Until They Start Rolling)
Swaddling can help your baby sleep more soundly by mimicking the snugness of the womb.
It’s safe to swaddle your baby for sleep, but ensure the swaddle isn’t too tight around their hips or chest, as this can interfere with breathing.
Use swaddles that zip or velcro to avoid loose blankets in the crib.
Once your baby shows signs of rolling, stop swaddling to prevent them from getting stuck in an unsafe position.
7. Remove Cords and Wires from Around the Crib
Keep your baby’s crib area free of cords and wires that could pose strangulation risks.
This includes removing cords from blinds, keeping baby monitor cords out of reach, and ensuring no electrical wires are near the crib.
8. Maintain a Comfortable Room Temperature
Research has shown that keeping a baby’s room too warm increases the risk of SIDS.
The recommended room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can gauge your baby’s comfort by checking their back or chest; it should feel warm but not hot.
Avoid overdressing your baby—if they’re sweating, they’re too warm. Choose a sleep sack or adjust their layers for optimal comfort.
9. Have Your Baby Sleep in Your Room
For the first six months to a year, the AAP advises parents to have their baby sleep in the same room (but not the same bed).
Room-sharing can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Place your baby’s crib or bassinet near your bed so you can easily feed and comfort them without bed-sharing.
10. Avoid Bed-Sharing
While having your baby nearby is essential, the AAP strongly recommends against bed-sharing.
It increases the risk of suffocation and sleep-related death. After feeding or comforting your baby, place them back in their crib or bassinet.
If you do accidentally fall asleep while feeding, make sure to remove pillows, blankets, and other items that could pose a danger.
