Newborn safe sleep starts with simple, everyday habits. From where your baby sleeps to their sleep position and what you keep in their crib or bassinet, creating a safe sleep environment is an important part of caring for your newborn.
The traditional ABCs of safe sleep are a helpful place to start: Alone, Back, Crib. But there are a few more things worth remembering. Our A-to-G guide covers seven simple safe sleep practices to help you feel more confident when bringing your baby home.
Safe sleep from A to G
A is for Alone
Baby should sleep in their own crib or bassinet rather than sharing a bed with you. Having a separate sleep space helps create a safer environment for your baby.
B is for Back
Place baby on their back for every sleep, every nap and every night. Back sleeping is the safest sleep position for babies and helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
C is for Crib or bassinet
Keep baby’s separate sleep space in the same room as you for at least the first six months. Room-sharing allows you to keep baby close while still giving them their own safe place to sleep.
D is for Don’t fall asleep holding baby
Caring for a newborn can be exhausting. If you’re holding or feeding your baby and begin to feel sleepy, place them on their back in their crib or bassinet rather than risking falling asleep while holding them.
E is for Early medical advice
If you have concerns about your baby’s health or something doesn’t seem right, reach out to your pediatrician or healthcare provider for advice.
F is for Firm and flat
Baby should sleep on a firm, flat mattress designed for their crib or bassinet. The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet and should not be inclined or have additional padding added.
G is for Get rid of extras
Keep baby’s sleep space simple. Loose blankets, pillows, toys, stuffed animals and other soft items should be kept out of the crib or bassinet.
Creating a safer sleep space
When it comes to newborn sleep, simple is safer. A firm, flat mattress, a fitted sheet and an empty crib or bassinet are all your baby needs for sleep.
These guidelines should be followed every time your baby sleeps, whether it’s a quick daytime nap or overnight. Creating consistent safe sleep habits from the beginning can help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths.
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