Safe Sleep Practices for Your Baby

A Guide by Moms on Call

As parents, we all want to provide the best and safest sleeping environment for our babies. Safe sleep practices are important not only for your baby’s well-being but also for your peace of mind.

To help you create a safe sleep environment for your baby, we’ve put together some tips and recommendations:

1. Lay your baby on their back for all sleep times.
   • The safest position for your baby to sleep in is on their back until they are rolling over on their own. 
2. Use a firm and flat sleep surface
   • Your baby should sleep on a firm and flat surface, such as a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard, that meets safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you’re using a portable crib or play yard, only use the mattress that comes with it. NO loose bedding. So make sure that you have a firm fitting sheet. 
   • Make sure that your baby’s crib meets safety standards and is free of any loose or broken parts. 
     • Your baby’s crib should be less than 5 years old.
   • Use a firm and tight-fitting mattress. 
     • We recommend a dual-firmness crib mattress like the Sleep & Grow Crib Mattress. It features extra-firm support that infants need on one side and less firmness on the other side to provide the comfort that toddlers prefer so that it will grow with your baby and their nursery!
3. Swaddle correctly for infants under 12 weeks of age and NOT rolling.
   • Swaddling can help your baby feel secure and calm, but it’s important to do it correctly. Only use non-weighted swaddles and avoid any type of weighted swaddle or sleep sack. We recommend the Moms on Call Swaddle and Swaddle Technique, which provides the essential elements for safe and comfortable rest. The best time to remove the swaddle is between 10 to 12 weeks of age. Your MOC consultant can help you create a plan and walk it out with you as you navigate this transition. 
4. Keep the sleep environment free of soft objects and toys
   • To reduce the risk of suffocation, keep blankets, soft objects, toys, pillows, and other items out of your baby’s sleep environment. Dress your baby in light clothing appropriate for the room temperature.
5. Maintain a cool temperature in the room
   • Babies sleep best in cool temperatures, around 68-72ºF. Avoid overheating your baby, and make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature for sleeping.
6. Avoid using baby products that aren’t intended for infant sleep
   • Some baby products, such as loungers, sleepers, and nappers, are not intended for infant sleep and can pose a risk to your baby’s safety. 
7. Follow safe sleep guidelines for naps, too
   • Safe sleep guidelines apply to naps as well as nighttime sleep. Be sure to provide a safe sleep environment for your baby during naps.

By following these safe sleep practices, you can help ensure your baby is sleeping soundly and safely. At Moms on Call, we believe that establishing a consistent sleep routine and prioritizing safe sleep practices from the beginning can help your baby develop healthy, safe sleep habits for a lifetime.