Between the cuddles and the late-night feeds, your top priority is keeping your newborn safe. Let’s make safe sleep simple. Here are the five non-negatiable every parent needs to know.
- Back is best. Always.
For every nap and every nighttime sleep, always place your baby on their back. This is the single most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS. Don’t worry about spit-up; their airway is designed to keep them safe in this position.
2. Keep the crib bare
Your baby’s sleep space should be boring – and that’s a good thing! All you need is:
- A firm, flat mattress.
- A tight-fitting sheet
- Remove all soft items: no pillows, blankets, brib bumpers, or stuffed animals
3. Dress for sleep succes
Since blankets are unsafe, use a wearable blanket or sleep sack. It’s a cozy, safe way to keep you baby warm without any loose fabric near their face.
4. Share your room, not our bed.
The safest setup is to have your baby sleep in a crib or bassinet in your room for at least the first 6 months. This makes feeding and monitoring easier, while avoiding the risks of adult beds (like soft sheets and pillows).
5. Keep a smoke-free zone
A smoke-free environment, both during the pregnancy and after birth, is a critical factor in reducing SIDS risk.
That’s it! By following these five simple rules, you can create the safest possible sleep environment for you little one, giving you peace of mind during those precious quiet moments.
The family compass 