Keeping your baby safe is a priority. Whether you are a first-time parent or a seasoned parent who has just welcomed a new baby into the family, being knowledgeable about and following current sleep safety guidelines is essential. By following the guidelines, you can relax and sleep better knowing your baby has been put to sleep the safest way possible.
Sleep Location
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a separate sleep space in the same room as you. The baby's bassinet or crib should be placed within arm's reach of your bed so that you can have easy access to your baby and check on him regularly during his sleep time.
Sleep Space
To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) your baby should always sleep on a firm crib or bassinet mattress with a fitted sheet. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association provides safety certification for cribs and crib mattresses. There should be no loose blankets, stuffed toys, crib bumpers, pillows or soft objects in your baby's sleep space. A sleep sack, which is a type of wearable blanket, is a suitable alternative to a traditional blanket.
Sleep Environment
Your baby's sleeping environment should be smoke free, because secondhand smoke can increase the risk of SIDS. While it can be tempting to crank up the heat to keep your baby warm, the room your baby sleeps in should feel comfortable to an adult. Between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is an appropriate room temperature for a sleeping baby. Having a fan going in the room where a baby sleeps has also been associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
Sleep Position
The safest position for your baby to sleep in is on his back. Since 1994, when the Back to Sleep campaign started, the percentage of babies that are put to sleep on their backs has significantly increased and the rate of SIDS deaths has decreased by more than 50 percent, according to the National Institutes of Health.
