Where should my baby sleep?

According to the American Academy for Pediatrics (AAP) the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib that meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissions safety standards. Parents should consider placing the crib near their bed, instead of having their baby sleep with them in the bed.

Where Not To Sleep – Some dangerous places for your baby to sleep are:

• couch/sofa
• recliner
• waterbed
• soft mattress
• any soft surface including pillows, sheepskins, quilts or cushions
• any bed with another adult or child

Best Sleeping Position For Infants

• Do place your baby on his or her back to sleep at nighttime and naptime.
• Don’t place your baby on his or her tummy to sleep. Babies should only be placed on the tummy when awake and being watched by an adult.
• Don’t place your baby on the side to sleep.

YouTube Video: Baby Safe Sleep 2014

Create A Safe Sleep Area For Your Baby

• Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys and other soft products from the crib.
• Use a firm mattress in your baby’s crib and make sure the mattress fits snugly in the frame.
• Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing instead of blankets.
• Place baby with feet at the foot of the crib.
• Avoid overheating. Your baby should not be sweating or feel hot to the touch (especially the hands).
• Do not use any device to prop your baby on his or her side; even if the device claims to prevent SIDS.
• Create a smoke-free zone around your baby.
• Never put your baby to sleep with other children.
• Check the safety of any crib for your baby, especially motel and hotel cribs.

Your Baby’s Crib Should Have

• Railings that are not more than 2 3/8 inches apart (you can’t fit a soda can through them).
• A firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame.
• A fitted sheet that is tight around the mattress.
• No quilts, comforters, duvets, heavy blankets, stuffed animals, bumper pads, sheepskins, etc. They can obstruct your baby’s breathing.

For More Information:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Consumer Product Safety Commission – Crib Safety
• National Institutes of Health