SLEEP & ROUTINES
Safe Sleep for Babies: A Crib Checklist
The simple sleep setup every caregiver can repeat for naps and nights, based on current pediatric safe-sleep guidance.
Keep the sleep space firm, flat, and empty
Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard with the correct mattress and a tightly fitted sheet. Keep pillows, loose blankets, bumpers, positioners, toys, weighted products, and other soft items out. Place the baby on the back every time, including naps.
Give every caregiver the same plan
Grandparents, babysitters, relatives, and childcare staff need the same checklist. If a baby falls asleep in a swing, sitting device, or car seat outside travel, move them to the safe sleep surface as soon as practical. Room-sharing is recommended, but the baby needs a separate surface.
- Back for every sleep
- Only a fitted sheet
- No incline or positioner
- Head uncovered
- Separate surface beside the adult’s bed
Avoid high-risk workarounds
Couches, armchairs, adult beds, loungers, and inclined surfaces are not safe substitutes. Consumer monitors and marketed “sleep” products do not prevent SIDS. If exhaustion makes accidental sleep possible, plan ahead and return the baby to the separate surface as soon as you wake.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
A simple plan to begin
- Confirm the sleep product meets current safety standards
- Remove everything except the fitted sheet
- Place baby on the back for every sleep
- Share the checklist with every caregiver
COMMON QUESTIONS
Helpful answers before you go
What if my baby rolls to the stomach?
Continue placing the baby on the back. Once the baby can roll both directions independently, they may remain in the position they reach, while the sleep space stays empty and safe.
Can I incline the mattress for reflux?
No. Inclines and props can obstruct breathing and are not recommended. Use a firm, flat, level surface and discuss reflux symptoms with the pediatrician.
TRUSTED SOURCES
Official guidance and product information
Product specifications can change. Confirm current details with the manufacturer before buying.
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