The ABCs
- Alone: nothing else in the sleep space. No pillows, quilts, bumpers or toys.
- Back: on their back for every sleep, naps included. Not "sometimes" on the tummy.
- Crib: a firm, flat surface that meets safety standards (a crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard) with a tight-fitting fitted sheet.
More that helps
- Room-share, but do not bed-share. The AAP says sleeping in your room (on a separate surface) can lower SIDS risk by up to about 50%. Do it for at least 6 months; the AAP's full policy says ideally up to a year.
- Offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime once breastfeeding is going well.
- Keep the home smoke-free and avoid alcohol or drugs if baby might sleep near you.
- Dress baby in a sleep layer or wearable blanket. Rule of thumb: one more layer than you would wear. Keep the room around 61-68°F (16-20°C).
- Breastfeed if you can, keep up well-baby visits and follow the vaccine schedule. All three are protective.
- If you feed baby in bed or on a sofa and feel sleepy, move them to their own surface as soon as you are done.
Do not use for sleep
- Car seats, swings, bouncers and carriers once you are out of the car (they are for travel and awake time).
- Inclined sleepers, Boppy-type pillows or Dock-a-Tot-style products.
- Sofas and armchairs with baby on your chest: the highest-risk place to fall asleep with a baby.
About swaddling
The AAP says swaddling is acceptable but does not lower SIDS risk. Always on the back, hips loose, and stop as soon as baby shows signs of trying to roll (often around 2 to 4 months).
Feeling nervous about it?
That is normal and it is a sign of a good parent. The rules above are the whole job. If you need a break from watching the monitor, put the money you would spend on one toward a meal delivery instead.
Not feeling okay? Reach out now.
Education, not medical advice. Every baby and every parent is different. Ask your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician about anything specific to you, and call them or emergency services if you are worried. Sources for this guide: AAP HealthyChildren: a parent's guide to safe sleep; Lullaby Trust: safer sleep advice; Safe to Sleep (NICHD); Kaiser Permanente: your newborn at home. All sources.