Safe Sleep Tips for Your Baby, So Parents Can Rest Assured

As the parent of a newborn, you will do almost anything to get your baby to sleep. Especially when you are over tired. There is lots of advice on getting your baby to sleep. Much of it can be confusing and conflicting. One thing that you should never compromise on – a safe sleep environment.

A Cool Crib is a Safe Crib

First make sure your infant has a safe crib to sleep in. Check to make sure your crib meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). Confirm that the crib has all of the pieces. Do not use drop side cribs or cribs that have design cutouts in the head or foot boards. Stuffed animals, pillows, bumper pads and other accessories should not be used in the crib. These pose a suffocation hazard to small children. A firm mattress covered with a tight-fitting crib sheet is all your baby needs.

Have your baby sleep in their own crib in or near your room until the age of 6 months. This helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and makes it more convenient for you. Be sure that to return him/her to their own crib after each feeding or diaper change. Avoid placing the crib near windows, draperies or blinds. Don’t hang anything with a cord or string above your baby’s bed.

Back To Sleep

Make sure you are laying your baby down to sleep on their back. This guideline has been out since 1993, when the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending that babies sleep on their backs, For many, this may be different than the old practice of placing your infant on their tummy. However, because of the “back to sleep” guidelines published in 1993, the SIDS death rate has dropped by more than 50%.

What to Wear

In general, it is best to dress your baby in one layer of clothing more than you are comfortable wearing. If the room feels comfortable for you, then it is most likely comfortable for your baby. If you’re worried about keeping them warm on an especially cold night, try using a sleep sack or wearable blanket rather than a loose blanket.

Babies should not sleep on beds, sofas, recliners, chairs, soft surfaces, bouncy chairs, baby swings or car seats. If they fall asleep in these places, move them to a safe sleep environment as soon as possible.

Following these tips can help you keep your baby safe while they sleep and can help give you peace of mind so that you can get some rest too.