How to Keep Your Baby Safe When Sleeping

A baby should be put to sleep on a flat surface with nothing else in the sleep space. The baby should be laying on its back swaddled- do this from the newborn period until 4 months of age as that's when they have the ability to roll over so you will want them to be hands free at that point so they can adjust themselves and their head to move from side to side.

Crib bumpers are cute, but dangerous as the baby could get caught in it and suffocate so stay away! Blankets should also only be used as a swaddle or just go straight to a sleep sack, so you don't risk it unraveling and shifting to over the baby's face. Two other things that are super important for preventing SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is to make sure the baby is not overheated (room temperature should be anywhere between 68-72 degrees) and I love the use of a pacifier! Not only does it teach the baby to self soothe, but it also decreases the rate of SIDS astronomically!

For more information on infant sleep, check out the Resources section of my website at northjerseydoulas.com