Back Sleeping
There are many myths surrounding babies sleeping on their backs; however, science has proven that back is best for baby.
- Babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to suffocate or choke.
- Babies do sleep deeper on their stomachs, but it’s safer for baby to wake through the night. When babies sleep deeper, they don’t wake up as often. When a baby is in a deep sleep and needs to take a deep breath or wake up, her airway may be blocked by the mattress, loose bedding, or covered in some other way. This will put her more at risk for suffocation.
- Put your baby to sleep on her back for the first year. Once your baby can roll from back to belly on her own, it’s okay to leave her in the position she finds most comfortable.
- Your baby will not get a flat head if she sleeps on her back. For the most part, flat spots on a baby’s head go away a few months after the baby learns to sit up. There are other ways to reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby’s head, such as providing “tummy time” when your baby is awake and someone is watching. “Tummy time” not only helps prevent flat spots, but it also helps a baby’s head, neck, and shoulder muscles get stronger.
Crib Sleeping
An empty crib is best. Many parents believe baby won’t be warm or comfortable without bumper pads, blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals, but these items can be deadly. Babies can suffocate on or be strangled by any extra item in the crib. To keep your baby safe:
- Place your baby on a firm mattress, covered by a fitted sheet that is specifically made for crib use.
- Bumper pads and sleep positioning wedges should not be placed in the crib with the baby. There have been no cases of babies who have seriously hurt themselves by getting stuck between the crib railings.
- Don’t use loose bedding such as comforters and blankets.
- Sleep clothing, such as fitted, appropriate-sized sleepers, sleep sacks, and wearable blankets are safer for baby than blankets!
- Don’t place babies to sleep on adult beds, chairs, sofas, waterbeds, air mattresses, pillows, or cushions.
- Toys and other soft bedding, including fluffy blankets, comforters, pillows and stuffed animals should not be placed in the crib with the baby. These items can suffocate baby if they are close to his face.
- Place baby’s crib in your room – you can respond to his needs and then return him to his crib to sleep.
