Why Safe Sleep Matters

Sleep safety is one of the most important things new parents can learn. Following safe sleep guidelines significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths. The good news: the guidelines are simple and easy to implement once you know them.

The ABCs of Safe Sleep

Pediatric health organizations recommend remembering the ABCs of safe sleep:

  • A – Alone: Baby should sleep alone, not with adults, siblings, or pets in the same sleep surface.
  • B – Back: Always place baby on their back to sleep — for every nap and every night.
  • C – Crib (or bassinet/play yard): Baby should sleep on a firm, flat surface designed for infant sleep.

Setting Up a Safe Sleep Space

What Should Be in the Crib

  • A firm, flat mattress with a tight-fitting, waterproof cover
  • One fitted sheet — nothing else

What Should NOT Be in the Crib

  • Pillows, blankets, or comforters
  • Bumper pads (including mesh bumpers)
  • Stuffed animals or plush toys
  • Positioners or wedges
  • Loose clothing or bibs left on during sleep

Room-Sharing vs. Bed-Sharing

Room-sharing (baby's own sleep surface in your room) is recommended for at least the first 6 months, and ideally up to 1 year. This keeps baby close for nighttime feedings while maintaining a safe, separate sleep surface.

Bed-sharing (sharing a sleep surface) is associated with increased risk, even on a firm mattress. The risk is especially elevated if a parent smokes, has consumed alcohol or sedating medications, or if baby was premature or low birth weight.

Temperature and Environment

Keep your baby's room at a comfortable temperature — generally between 68–72°F (20–22°C). Dress your baby in one more layer than you'd wear to be comfortable. Signs baby is too warm include sweating, flushed cheeks, or damp hair. Overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS.

  • Use a sleep sack (wearable blanket) instead of loose blankets for warmth.
  • Keep direct airflow from fans or vents away from baby.
  • Use blackout curtains to support day/night sleep differentiation as baby grows.

White Noise: Helpful or Harmful?

White noise can be a helpful sleep aid for babies, mimicking the ambient sounds of the womb. If you use a white noise machine, keep it:

  • At least 7 feet away from the crib
  • At a low volume (no louder than a soft shower)
  • Set to run during sleep and turn off when baby is awake

When Can Baby Sleep with a Blanket?

Most pediatric guidelines suggest waiting until at least 12 months — and ideally 18 months — before introducing soft bedding. Until then, a sleep sack provides warmth without the suffocation risk of a loose blanket.

Building a Sleep Routine Early

While newborns don't have a set schedule, you can begin laying the foundation for a healthy sleep routine from the early weeks:

  1. Establish a consistent bedtime sequence (bath, feed, song, sleep).
  2. Put baby down drowsy but awake when possible — this helps them learn to self-settle over time.
  3. Distinguish between day and night: keep daytime interactions lively and bright; nighttime feeds calm and dark.

Safe sleep isn't about perfection — it's about creating habits that protect your baby every single time they rest.