Every September, Baby Safety Month is a gentle nudge to slow down and take another look at your baby’s daily routines, especially sleep. Babies spend most of their early days snoozing, but that’s also when they’re at their most vulnerable. A few small choices in how and where your baby sleeps can make a big difference in keeping them safe.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has clear, evidence-based sleep guidelines. Yet, even today, a mix of myths, outdated traditions, and “cute but risky” nursery setups still sneak in. 

This checklist will walk you through the essentials, so you can look at your baby’s sleep space with fresh eyes and peace of mind.

The ABCs of safe sleep 

Think of safe sleep as simple as the ABCs:

• A – Alone: Your baby needs their own space: a crib, bassinet, or play yard without pillows, blankets, toys, or you. Reserve cuddling for awake time; safe sleep means solo sleep.
  
• B – Back: Whether it’s a short nap or a full night, placing your baby on their back is proven to lower the risk of SIDS.
  
• C – Crib: Always use a firm, flat, safety-approved crib or bassinet with just a fitted sheet. It may look plain, but a crib with only a firm mattress and fitted sheet is the safest choice. 

These ABCs are the foundation. Following them reduces sleep-related risks but there’s more to consider to cover all the bases. 

Crib and mattress safety

Not all newborn sleep setups are created equal. The safest crib or bassinet is simple, firm, and uncluttered. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Do’s 

• Choose a crib, bassinet, or play yard that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The newer models are tested for today’s safety requirements.
  
• Use a firm, flat mattress with a snug fitted sheet. This keeps your baby’s airway clear and reduces suffocation risk.
  
• Keep the sleep space completely bare without any pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, or loose blankets.
  

Don’ts 

• Don’t add soft bedding, quilts, or comforters. They may look cozy but increase the risk of suffocation and overheating.
  
• Don’t let your baby sleep on couches, recliners, or adult beds. These surfaces are linked to higher infant death rates due to entrapment or falls.
  
• Don’t use inclined sleepers, wedges, or positioners. The AAP warns these can cause babies to roll into dangerous positions.
  
• Don’t overdress your baby or pile on blankets. Overheating has been identified as a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
  

Room sharing vs. Bed sharing

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is very clear: room sharing is recommended, bed sharing is not. Here’s why:

How to manage room sharing?

• Keep your baby’s crib, bassinet, or play yard in your bedroom for at least the first 6 to 12 months.
  
• This makes nighttime feeding and soothing easier while keeping your baby close.
  
• Studies show room sharing can reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths by up to 50%.

Why is bed sharing unsafe for babies?

• Placing your baby in an adult bed increases risks of suffocation, entrapment, and falls.
  
• Soft mattresses, pillows, and blankets on the bed can block airways.
  
• Even if your baby dozes off next to you, it’s always safe to move them back to their crib or bassinet once they’re asleep.

Room sharing offers closeness and peace of mind. You keep your baby nearby, without the risks of sharing an adult bed. Doesn’t that feel like the best of both worlds? 

Swaddles, blankets, and wearables

Swaddling can be a great soothing strategy in those first weeks. It mimics the snug feeling of the womb and helps some newborns settle. But swaddling is only safe when done right, and only for a short window of time.

Safe swaddling:

• Wrap snugly around the arms, but leave room at the hips for healthy movement.
  
• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
  
• Stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling (often around 2 months).
  

Unsafe practices:

• Don’t continue swaddling once rolling starts. It increases the risk of suffocation.
  
• Don’t use thick or layered swaddles that cause overheating.
  

What about blankets?

Loose blankets, pillows, or quilts should never be in the crib before your baby turns 12 months old. They increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The safer alternative is to switch to a wearable blanket or sleep sack. These keep your baby warm and cozy, but with free arm and leg movement ensuring the best of both worlds for comfort and safety.

Pacifiers and safe sleep

Many parents wonder: “Can my newborn sleep with a pacifier?” The answer is yes and research shows that using a pacifier at nap time and bedtime can even help lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Tips for safe pacifier use:

• If you’re breastfeeding, wait until it’s well established (usually 3 to 4 weeks) before introducing a pacifier.
  
• Offer the pacifier when putting your baby down to sleep, but never force it if they don’t want it.
  
• If it falls out during sleep, you don’t need to put it back in.
  

What to avoid:

• Never attach a pacifier to strings, clips, or stuffed animals in the crib. These add a risk of strangulation or suffocation.
  
• Don’t coat pacifiers in sweet substances (like honey). It can harm your baby’s health and teeth.

A comfortable, cool environment

Temperature plays a bigger role in safe sleep than many parents realize. Overheating has been linked to an increased risk of SIDS, so aim for a cool, well-ventilated room. 

Do’s:

• Keep the room cool and well-ventilated.
  
• Dress your baby in light, breathable clothing or a sleep sack.
  
• Check your baby’s neck or chest, not hands or feet to gauge if they’re too warm.
  

Don’ts:

• Don’t overdress your baby or cover them with heavy blankets.
  
• Don’t put hats or hoods on your baby during sleep.
  
• Don’t place your baby near heaters, vents, or in direct sunlight.

A cool, calm room is more than comfort, it’s a critical step for safe sleep. 

Car seats and strollers

Car seats and strollers are wonderful for getting around, but they aren’t meant to double as cribs. When babies nod off in them for too long, their little heads can tip forward and make breathing less easy. Once you’re home, gently move your baby to a firm, flat crib or bassinet so they can stretch out safely. 

Think of it this way: car seats keep them secure on the go, and the crib keeps them safe at rest.

Conclusion

Your baby’s sleep space should feel like a sanctuary:calm, comfortable, and most importantly, safe. 

By following the ABCs of safe sleep, avoiding unsafe items, and staying alert to updated guidelines, you’re giving your baby the safest possible start.

This Baby Safety Month, take five minutes to walk through your nursery with this checklist. Small changes today could make the biggest difference tomorrow.

Sources:

• Safe sleep. American Academy of Pediatrics. SUID and Safe Sleep Overview
• Recommendations for a safe sleep environment. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
• Safe space for sleep. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Safe Sleep Environment for Baby

You may also like:

• Why is my baby grunting in sleep? What’s normal and what’s not
• SIDS awareness: How to educate caregivers and family members about baby’s sleep safety
• Sleep begets sleep – myth or fact?