As a sleep coach and someone who truly cares about your family’s well-being, I want to talk about something incredibly important: safe sleep. Whether you’re expecting, just brought your baby home, or navigating those early months of newborn life, understanding how to create a safe sleep environment is essential for your baby’s health—and your peace of mind.
Sign up to receive more tips for better sleep!
What Is Safe Sleep?
Safe sleep refers to a sleep space and routine that minimizes the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the safest way for your baby to sleep is:
- On their back
- Alone (no toys, bumpers, or blankets)
- On a firm, flat sleep surface like a crib or bassinet
This is often called the “ABC” rule of safe sleep:
Alone, on their Back, in a Crib.
Common Mistakes That Might Seem “Safe”
We all want our babies to sleep longer and more soundly, but some popular products and trends can create unsafe conditions—even if they’re widely used. Items like inclined sleepers, loungers, positioners, or even soft bedding can increase the risk of suffocation. Always check for CPSC safety standards and choose products approved for unsupervised sleep.
Safe Sleep Products I Recommend
- A firm mattress with a tight-fitting crib sheet
- A sleep sack or wearable blanket (not loose blankets)
- A pacifier at sleep time for the first year (shown to reduce SIDS risk)
- A white noise machine (optional, but helpful!)
Weighted sleepwear and swaddles are not recommended for babies under 1 year, according to recent safety updates.
Room Sharing vs. Bed Sharing
The AAP recommends room sharing without bed sharing for at least the first 6–12 months. Keeping your baby close—but in their own separate sleep space—makes nighttime feeding easier while still protecting their safety.
Let’s Keep It Simple
Safe sleep doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. My job is to help you feel confident, informed, and supported through it all. Whether you’re preparing your nursery or figuring out how to transition your baby into their own crib, I’ll help you create a plan that works for your family—and keeps your baby safe.
Have questions about your baby’s sleep space?
Let’s talk. I offer customized, 1:1 support so you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
💙 Amanda
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Gentle, responsive, evidence-based support for families like yours
