Baby Sleep Safety: A Simple Guide for Parents

Baby Sleep Safety is a very important aspect of newborn and infant care. Many hours of sleep are spent by babies, and a safe sleep space can minimize preventable risks. Safe sleep can be confusing to parents, as they receive conflicting messages from older parenting advice, family, friends, and social media.

The key steps are as follows: lay your baby on their back to sleep, use a firm and flat sleep surface, make the sleep area clear and follow the current advice from trusted health bodies.

Safe sleep guidelines will apply for naps as well as nighttime sleep. As your baby develops, regularly check the sleep environment and make changes as necessary.

Why Is Baby Sleep Safety Important?

Babies’ bodies are still developing and they may not be able to move themselves from an unsafe position or object. Risk factors for sleep related injuries, including suffocation, entrapment, falls, or otherwise include an unsafe sleep environment.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that a safe place to sleep includes having a firm, flat sleep surface and having babies on their backs for all sleep time.

Another aspect of baby sleep safety is considering where and how baby sleeps. Any sofa, adult bed, recliner or other surface that is not intended for an infant to sleep on can pose extra dangers.

Most risks can be minimised by preparing the sleep environment before the baby goes to sleep.

Understanding Current Safe Sleep Guidance

Parenting advice on sleep safety should be based on the latest information from reputable sources, not on prior advice or from social media.

The AAP recommends:

• Always sleep babies on their back.
• Spend on a firm, flat sleep surface that is not inclined.
• Fit a sheet that is fitted for the sleep surface.
• Remove soft items and loose bedding from the sleeping area of the baby.
• Avoid exposing babies to tobacco smoke.
• Room share (no bed sharing) at least for the first 6 months.
• Avoid overheating and excessive clothing.
• Provide a pacifier for evening and bedtime snacks when baby is well breastfed and receives it.

Breastfeeding is also linked to reduced risk of infant death in sleep and parents are encouraged to talk with their healthcare professional about sleeping and feeding practices.

Remember, safe sleep extends to naps as well as sleep at night. Even if a baby is safe at night, they can be at risk during an unsafe daytime sleep time.

Creating a Safer Sleep Environment

The baby’s sleep space should be basic and devoid of extraneous objects.

Set up the crib or bassinet, or other approved infant sleep product, at an appropriate site. Maintain a firm, flat surface for sleep; Only use sleep surface bedding that is made for it.

Do not put pillows or quilts, toys or loose blankets in the baby’s sleep area.

Use the Safer Sleep Environment Checklist to create a safe sleep environment.

Safer Sleep Environment Checklist

Don’t use sleep products just because they seem comfortable or cozy. Safety should be the primary concern of infant sleep areas, not decoration.

Choosing an Appropriate Sleep Space

An appropriate infant sleep space shall be firm, flat and designed for use for infant sleep.

These are examples of commonly used items and might consist of a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard suitable for the baby’s age and according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

Inspect product prior to each use. Inspect for broken parts/missing hardware, damaged mesh, loose parts, or other indications that the product may no longer be safe.

Sleep Space Options

Never change an infant sleep product or add additional mattress, padding or other material except as directed by the manufacturer.

If your baby falls asleep in a stroller, car seat, carrier, swing, or other sitting device, move your baby to an appropriate sleep surface, if safe and practical.

Keeping the Sleep Area Clear

One of the easiest baby sleep safety tips is to have a clear sleep area.

The crib or bassinet should not have any objects that would block the baby’s face or breathing path.

Don’t place anything in the baby’s sleep space:

• Pillows
• Loose blankets
• Quilts
• Comforters
• Stuffed animals
• Crib bumpers
• Toys
• Positioners
• Other such as loose or soft objects

Sometimes parents think that their babies will be cold without blankets. Ask your paediatrician about suitable clothes or sleepwear that can be worn in the cot, instead of free blankets.

Avoid weighted sleep products in infants, unless they are recommended by a trained health care provider for their specific needs.

Choosing Baby Sleep Products Carefully

Many online and in-store vendors sell baby sleep products. But a sleep aid product isn’t necessarily safe for babies’ sleep.

When you’re looking to purchase a sleep product, check:

• The purpose of the product described in the instructions.
• The recommended age and weight for use.
• Current safety information.
• Manufacturer instructions.
• If the product has been called back or not.
• If the product forms an inclined, enclosed or padded sleep environment.

Beware of products designed to prevent babies from rolling, to lessen the chance of SIDS or to hold babies in a certain sleep position.

Secondhand cribs, bassinets and other sleep products should be avoided as well. Ensure that the product is full, undamaged, suitable for the baby and not part of a safety recall.

Common Sleep Safety Mistakes to Avoid

Even good parents can make sleep safety errors. Helping awareness of common ones. 

1. The baby is placed on her stomach..

Infants should always sleep on their back. If your baby is now able to roll on their own, then, as per current advice from your pediatrician, position him on his side during sleep.

2. Using Soft Bedding

Any pillows, loose blankets, quilts or stuffed toys should not go in an infant’s sleep area.

3. Allowing baby to repeatedly sleep on a sofa.

Babies can get into trouble when sleeping on sofas and armchairs. Instead, use an appropriate infant sleep surface.

4. Adding Extra Padding

Parents might believe that more padding will make a crib or bassinet more comfortable. Mattresses, cushions or padding that are not intended for the product, however, can cause hazards.

5. Without reading instructions, using Sleep Products

Each sleeping product comes with a set of guidelines and restrictions. Use according to manufacturer’s instructions and discontinue when the baby’s stated limit is reached.

6. Forgetting About Naps

Daytime naps are important and should be done safely, just as night sleep.

7. Overheating the Baby

Overheating can be caused by too many layers or a very warm sleeping area. Dress your baby accordingly to the room temperature.

8. Depending on Sleep Monitors

Don’t use home cardiorespiratory monitors or consumer baby monitors to replace recommended safe sleep practices.

When to Ask a Healthcare Professional

Parents should consult their pediatrician or other health care provider if they have any concerns about their baby’s sleep.

Seek expert advice when:

• Your baby has a medical condition that is related to sleep.
• Not sure what type of sleep product to use.
• Your baby’s sleep is disrupted by difficulty breathing.
• You’re worried about unusual sleeping habits.
• Not sure what to do when your baby begins to roll.
• You have queries about room temperature, clothing, feeding, etc.
• You’re having difficulty with sleep safety.

Each baby is unique and a health care provider can give guidance according to the age, development and unique situation of the baby.

Final Takeaway

The first step in baby sleep safety is to create a simple and consistent sleep environment. Place your baby down with their back to the bed at all times, choose a firm and flat surface for your baby to sleep on and avoid soft items such as pillows, loose blankets, toys and soft items in the sleep area.

Select sleep products and use them according to their instructions. Check the sleep environment on a regular basis as your baby learns and grows new skills.

If you are not sure about a sleep practice or product, seek up-to-date advice from trusted sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics and consult your baby’s health