Safe Sleep Practices for babies: The ABCs of safe sleep

As a new parent, ensuring your baby’s safety is of utmost importance. One of the most crucial aspects of infant care is safe sleep. Following the ABCs of safe sleep can help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers.

A stands for Alone.

Your baby should always sleep alone in their own crib or bassinet. Sharing a bed with your baby can increase the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and SIDS. Room sharing is recommended by the AAP, but bed sharing, and is not the same as bed sharing. We recognize this isn’t always realistic, if you are bedsharing make sure that you are doing it as safely as possible.

B stands for Back.

Always place your baby on their back to sleep, even for naps. This position reduces the risk of SIDS and allows for proper breathing. This means flat on their backs. Not in a crib or anything that puts them in any other position.

C stands for Crib.

Your baby should always sleep in a safe and secure crib or bassinet. The crib should meet safety standards and have a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Avoid using soft bedding, such as blankets, pillows, and bumper pads, as they can increase the risk of suffocation. Add-ins like a Doc-A-Tot are also not safe for sleep and not recommended.

THE ABCS OF SAFE SLEEP

Other tips for safe sleep include keeping the room at a comfortable temperature, avoiding smoking around your baby, and using a pacifier at naptime and bedtime. For a full list, you can review our blog on AAP safe sleep guidelines.

By following the ABCs of safe sleep, you can help ensure your baby’s safety and reduce the risk of sleep-related dangers. Remember, safe sleep is essential for your baby’s health and well-being.