As a new parent, you want your baby to sleep peacefully and safely in her crib, but all the sleep guidelines can be overwhelming. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your baby sleeps safe and sound.
Whether you’re still pregnant and setting up your baby’s nursery or your little bundle has already arrived, you’re probably spending a lot of time thinking about how to get your newborn to sleep.
Of course, you want your baby to sleep soundly. But it’s just as important to ensure that your baby sleeps safely. Safe sleep practices not only help your newborn rest peacefully but also protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related risks. That’s why it’s essential for every new parent to understand safe sleep guidelines.
Don’t worry — these guidelines are straightforward. When it comes to safe sleep for babies, simplicity is often best. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure restful and safe nights for both you and your baby.
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Where Should a Newborn Sleep?
What’s the safest sleep position for my baby? Should I use a blanket or pillow? Is co-sleeping okay?
These are common questions parents ask about creating a safe sleep environment. Below are key tips, based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Share a room, but not a bed
Having your baby sleep in your room for the first six months can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%. Additionally, room-sharing makes nighttime feedings more convenient if you’re breastfeeding.
However, avoid co-sleeping (letting your baby sleep in your bed). Pillows and blankets on an adult bed can pose suffocation risks. There’s also the danger of your baby falling off the bed or someone accidentally rolling onto them during the night.
Put your baby to sleep in a crib or bassinet
Your baby’s crib, bassinet, playard, or portable crib should meet the latest safety standards outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Avoid letting your baby sleep on couches, armchairs, recliners, or other unsafe surfaces. These can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.
If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, or swing, move them to a safe sleeping space as soon as possible.
How to choose a crib or bassinet
When setting up your baby’s nursery, pay attention to the following:
- Footprint: The base of a bassinet should be wide and stable to prevent tipping over.
- Weight limit: Check the bassinet’s weight limit, which may range from 15 to 20 pounds. Transition your baby to a crib around 15 pounds or when they outgrow the bassinet.
- Age and condition: Avoid cribs made before June 2011. Antique or secondhand cribs may not meet safety standards and could have risks like lead paint or wide slats.
- Slat width: Crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent entrapment risks.
Follow the manufacturer’s assembly instructions carefully, ensuring all hardware is secure and free from sharp edges or rough spots.
Crib Mattress Safety Tips
Choosing the right crib mattress and maintaining its safety are vital.
- Snug fit: The mattress should fit tightly within the crib, leaving no gaps. If you can fit more than two fingers between the mattress and crib, it’s unsafe.
- Size and thickness: Use a firm mattress with standard dimensions (27 1/4 by 51 1/4 inches) and a thickness no greater than 6 inches. For portable cribs and playards, only use the original mattress provided with the product.
How Should a Newborn Sleep?
Creating a safe sleep environment for your baby involves careful attention to these details:
Put baby to sleep on their back
Always lay your baby flat on their back on a firm surface for naps and bedtime until their first birthday. Tummy sleeping can increase the risks of suffocation, overheating, and SIDS.
Once your baby can roll over independently (typically between 3 and 6 months), it’s safe to let them sleep in their preferred position.
Keep the crib clear
Your baby’s crib should be free of bumpers, blankets, stuffed animals, and pillows. To keep your baby warm, consider using a wearable blanket or sleep sack.
Avoid overheating
Dress your baby in simple sleepwear like a one-piece sleeper and avoid accessories like hats or socks. Keep the room temperature between 68 and 72°F.
Minimize environmental risks
Ensure your baby’s sleep area is free of cords, curtains, or other hazards they could grab.
Additional Safe Sleep Tips
- Avoid “smart” baby monitors: These devices are not FDA-regulated and have not been proven to reduce SIDS risks.
- Use a pacifier: Pacifiers can reduce SIDS risks, though the reason is unclear. Offer one at bedtime, but don’t force it.
- Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding for at least four to six months can lower the risk of SIDS significantly.
- Stop swaddling by 2 to 4 months: Discontinue swaddling when your baby shows signs of rolling over to prevent suffocation or entanglement risks.
Safe sleep practices are essential, but they don’t have to feel overwhelming. By following these simple, evidence-based guidelines, you can create a secure and comfortable sleep environment for your baby.
