Safe Sleep Practices

Safe sleep saves lives! Seasoned parents and new ones alike can always benefit from the tips and recommendations of putting baby to bed safely. Providing a safe sleep environment for your baby can reduce the risk of SIDS, and give you the peace of mind you need to safely sleep as well!

Today, with the help of Emily Blewett, we are covering how to keep your baby safe when sleeping according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 2022 recommendations.

How to Keep Baby Safe When Sleeping:

• Lay baby down on their back for all sleep.
  • Baby should sleep on a firm, flat surface.
    • Which includes, a crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. (For portable cribs and play yards: only use the mattress that comes with it, with a tight fitted sheet.)
• Swaddle correctly until they begin to roll over, which typically happens between 3-4 months old.
  • Only use non-weighted swaddles.
    • It is recommended not to use any type of weighted swaddle or sleep sack.
  • We recommend the Moms on Call Swaddle and Swaddle Technique.
    • The Moms on Call Swaddle Technique provides the three essential elements that pediatric nurses and doctors say must be in place for babies to rest safely and comfortably.
      1. Plenty of room near the baby’s lungs so they can breathe comfortably. 
      2. Keeps the baby’s arms secure by applying the tightness only around the level of the elbows. This imitates your warm embrace and keeps the baby’s startle reflex from jerking their arms and waking them up.
      3. Allows the baby’s legs to move freely so their hip joints mature properly. 
• Have baby sleep in their own safe sleep environment.
  • See Moms on Call’s Ideal Sleep environment for more tips!
  • The AAP doesn’t recommend bed sharing under any circumstance. 
• There are many baby products that aren’t intended for infant sleep.
  • Examples include Boppy, SnuggleMe and Dock-a-Tots.
  • Do not use any loungers, sleepers, or nappers.
• Never lay baby down for sleep with hats, mittens, clips or bows.
• Make sure baby does not overheat.
  • Dress them appropriately based on temperature in the room they sleep in.
  • Babies sleep best in cool temps! The room should be kept at a cool 68-72ºF.
• Keep blankets, soft objects, toys, pillows, etc. out of the baby’s sleep environment. 

For the complete safe sleep recommendations released this year by AAP, please visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website. Always consult your pediatrician if you have any questions.