Sleep Safe: 8 Tips Every New Parent Should Know

Making sure your baby sleeps safely is one of the most important things you can do as a new parent. By following a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and help your baby sleep soundly and safely.

Safe Sleep Guidelines:

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1. Always place your baby on their back. Sleeping on the back is the safest position and lowers the risk of SIDS. Never place your baby on their side or stomach to sleep.
2. Room share, don’t bed share. Keep your baby in the same room, but not in the same bed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room sharing for at least the first 6 months using a separate crib or bassinet.
3. Use a firm, flat mattress. Choose a tight-fitting mattress designed for your crib or bassinet, covered with a fitted sheet, to prevent gaps between the mattress and the sides of a crib.
4. Keep the crib empty. Avoid placing toys, pillows, blankets, bumper pads or any loose items in the crib.
5. Don’t use sitting devices for routine sleep. Car seats, strollers, swings and infant seats aren’t safe for routine sleep. Move your baby to a crib or other appropriate surface as soon as is safe and practical.
6. Avoid overheating. Dress your baby in light layers or a sleep sack. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and don’t use a hat indoors.
7. Swaddle safely—if you choose to swaddle. Always place swaddled babies on their backs. Stop swaddling when your baby starts showing signs of rolling over—sometimes as early as 2 months.
8. Breastfeed your baby. Nurse your baby if you’re able—just two months of breastfeeding can lower the risk of SIDS by nearly 50%, according to the AAP. While the exact reason isn’t clear, experts think breastfed babies may wake more easily from sleep. Breast milk also strengthens your baby’s immune system and supports healthy brain development.

Visit our Healthy Library to learn additional healthy sleep habits and tips from the AAP for reducing the risk of SIDS. For expert guidance on caring for your newborn during their first three months of life, sign up for Overlake’s Understanding Your Newborn class.