A beautiful nursery photo often has a quilt, bumpers and a stuffed bunny in the crib. A safe crib looks almost empty — and that's the point.
Remember the ABCs
- Alone — baby sleeps in their own space, with no pillows, bumpers, blankets or toys.
- Back — always place baby on their back for every sleep, naps included.
- Crib — a crib, bassinet or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends room-sharing (baby in your room, on a separate sleep surface) for at least the first six months.
Keeping baby warm without blankets
A wearable blanket or swaddle replaces loose bedding. Dress baby in one more light layer than you'd wear, and watch for signs of overheating like sweating or flushed cheeks. Avoid weighted sleep sacks and swaddles.
When to stop swaddling
As soon as baby shows signs of trying to roll — often somewhere between two and four months — switch to an arms-free sleep sack.
Nice to have
A sound machine placed across the room at a low volume and a dim night light make night feeds calmer for everyone.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your pediatrician about your baby's sleep.