Babies spend much of their early life asleep, which makes safe sleep practices for infants especially important.
There's a lot of information out there about sleep safety and it's common to have questions. In this article we review expert-approved and scientifically sound safe sleep practices for babies. We’ll touch on where your baby should sleep, how they should sleep, what they should sleep in, and how to create a sleep environment that keeps them cozy and protected for every nap, night, and everything in between.
Take this free sleep assessment to get a personalized step-by-step plan for setting up your baby’s sleep space safely, along with an on-the-go sleep schedule that tells you exactly when to put your baby to sleep – aligning their circadian rhythm so they fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer.
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What is Safe Sleep for Babies and Why is it So Important?
Safe sleep for babies to us means creating a sleep environment that lowers the risk of sleep-related injuries like suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There is research from health authorities such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Organization, and many top medical journals raise awareness for safe sleep guidelines and how to reduce the risk of death in infants while asleep.
For example, American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep practices, which mirror those of other global health authorities, say the safest way for newborns and infants to sleep is on a firm, flat surface – such as a crib or bassinet – with no loose items nearby. The guidelines also say that the safest sleep position for babies under one is on their back until they can independently roll both ways. It’s also recommended that you share a room with your baby for at least the first six months of their life. However, co-sleeping with your infant is never safe.
All infant products you use should meet product safety standards of organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Here’s an easy way to remember the ABCs of safe sleep for babies:
- Alone: Your baby should sleep alone in their crib or bassinet – never in bed with an adult or sibling.
- Back to Sleep: Put your baby on their back to sleep – and if they roll over, gently move them back until they can roll both from belly-to-back and back-to-belly on their own.
- Clear Crib: Keep your baby’s crib clear of blankets, pillows, toys and anything else soft until they are 12-months-old – it should have a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.
Common Questions About Safe Sleep for Babies
Here we share other safe sleep tips and practices for newborns and infants that align with the safe sleep guidelines. Your healthcare provider is another great resource for more personalized guidance about safe sleep for your baby.
How to safely dress baby for sleep?
How to dress your baby for sleep depends often on temperature (here are recommendations on how to dress your baby for sleep). You should try to keep your baby’s room at a comfortable temperature. The ideal room temperature for sleep according to many North American health authorities is 68-72°F (20-22°C). In EU and UK, authorities often recommend 16-20°C.
Your infant can wear a swaddle while asleep on their back, until they show signs of rolling (can be around 2-months or earlier). At that point you can stop swaddling and switch to a wearable blanket or sleep sack. Muslin blankets are safe for babies to sleep with if they are used as a swaddle. Breathable material is best for any wearable sleep clothing. Don’t let your baby wear a hat in their crib.
Put them in a fresh, clean, extra-absorbent overnight diaper for sleep to limit unnecessary wakeups from leaks or diaper rashes – Pampers Swaddlers (also known as Pampers Premium) is a great option.
How long should a baby sleep in your room?
For the first six months, your baby should sleep in your room but in their own sleep space. Studies show that room sharing can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50% and makes nighttime feeds easier.
Co-sleeping is not safe and sleeping with your newborn in bed is never safe either – including on your chest. The safest place for a newborn to sleep is in their crib or bassinet. However, many newborns will only sleep when held. As long as you stay awake, contact naps are common and encouraged during the 4th trimester while your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. Skin-to-skin time is a great way to bond with and comfort your baby – just be sure that you don't fall asleep.
Is it safe for a baby to sleep with a pacifier or anything else in their crib?
Your baby can sleep with a pacifier and in either a sleep sack or swaddle, depending on if they can roll over. Other than that, it is not safe for a newborn or baby to sleep with anything else until their first birthday.
This means it is not safe to sleep with a blanket or transitional objects like a lovey. Your baby can start sleeping with a light blanket after 12 months. Before then, use a wearable blanket or sleep sack.
Can a baby or newborn sleep in a car seat?
A newborn can occasionally sleep in a car seat or stroller if napping on the go and while supervised. However, try to limit naps outside the crib. Their crib or bassinet is the safest place for your baby to sleep and provides the best chance for quality sleep.
Is it safe for newborns to sleep on their side?
It is not safe for newborns to sleep on their side. It is also not safe for a newborn to sleep on their stomach. You should always put a baby under 12-months-old to sleep on their back, but sometimes babies will naturally roll over onto their side or stomach. Babies can only sleep on their stomachs only after they can independently roll over both ways, which usually happens around 6 months.
If your baby cannot roll over both ways and they migrate to their belly at night, gently adjust them back onto their back. Since newborn active sleep can involve lots of movement, keep an eye on your baby to make sure they are sleeping safely on their back.
Can a newborn sleep in car seat?
Your newborn or baby can sleep in a car seat for short periods of time – in fact, many parents use a short car ride to help babies fall asleep for naps. Naps on-the-go are common! However, it is safest for your baby to sleep in their crib with a flat, fitted sheet. If your baby is asleep in their car seat when you arrive home, it is recommended (and safest) to transfer them to their crib.
Are sleep sacks safe for rolling babies?
Yes, sleep sacks that leave your babies arms and legs free are safe for babies who can roll over. You should immediately stop swaddling when your baby shows sign of rolling over and switch to a sleep sack. When it comes to are weighted sleep sacks safe for babies, the American Academy of Pediatrics do not recommend them.
Is it safe for a sick baby sleep on their stomach?
It is not safe for a newborn to sleep on their stomach or side. Even if your baby is sick, experiencing infant reflux, or is congested, experts advise that the safest place for a newborn to sleep is on their back until their first birthday. If your baby can independently roll back and forth, they can choose their sleeping position.
More Ways to Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Keep Your Baby Safe While Asleep
Here’s a list of more ways to reduce the risk of SIDS and support safe sleep in infants and babies.
- Tummy Time: Offer your baby lots of tummy time while awake to support them to reach developmental milestones – you can start tummy time right when you get home from the hospital.
- Breastfeed When Possible: Breastfeed your baby for at least 6 months, if you can – it’s known to reduce SIDS risk.
- Ensure Crib Safety: Lower the crib mattress as your baby grows, keep the crib away from any electric or windows, never use bed covers or bumpers, and make sure there aren’t any broken or lose parts.
- Stay Awake for Skin-to-Skin: Skin-to-skin has many benefits for newborns, but make sure you stay awake. You should never co-sleep and it is not safe to sleep with a newborn on your chest.
- Avoid Cigarettes: Never smoke cigarettes near your baby.
- Use Approved Products: Don’t use products that aren’t certified by trusted safety organizations or recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Never Incline the Mattress: Keep your baby's sleep surface flat – never incline the mattress or use wedges, even if your baby has reflux or GERD.
- Keep Away Hazards: Keep all hazards away from your baby’s sleep space, including cords and electric outlets.
- Don’t Leave Baby Unattended: Don’t leave your sleeping baby anywhere but their crib unattended.
- Watch for Signs of Overheating: Keep the temperature warm and comfortable, dress them in one extra layer than you, and watch for signs of overheating such as red cheeks or sweating.
- Move Them, if Necessary: If your baby moves in their sleep in a position that seems unsafe, gently return them to their back.
- Follow ABCs of Sleep: As we mentioned, room share but keep your baby alone in their crib for sleep, put them on their back to sleep, and keep their bed clear of everything but a well-fitted sheet.
Final Thoughts
With all the sleep happening in the first few months of life, knowing how to keep them safe while asleep is knowledge all parents and caregivers should know.
One of the most important ways you can practice safe sleep for babies is to put them to sleep on their back on a firm, flat surface with no loose items nearby. For all babies under 12-months-old, the safest way to be put to sleep is on their back and until they are able to roll back and forth, they should stay sleeping on their back.
For more guidance on creating a safe sleep environment – and to help your baby get comfortable with falling asleep independently – download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers app. Co-developed with pediatricians and sleep experts, it offers personalized support to help you follow safe sleep practices for infants and build a sleep schedule that aligns with your baby’s natural rhythms – so they fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
