What does “safe sleep” mean for a baby?
CDC safe-sleep information focuses on reducing the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome and accidental suffocation. Its core recommendations concern sleep position, the sleep surface, the location of the baby’s sleep space and what is kept inside that space.
What sleep position does CDC recommend?
CDC recommends placing babies on their backs for all sleep times, including naps and nighttime sleep. CDC also explains that back sleeping is associated with a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome than side or stomach sleeping.
What kind of sleep surface does CDC describe?
CDC recommends a firm, flat sleep surface that is not angled or inclined. Its example is a mattress in a safety-approved crib covered only by a fitted sheet.
Should a baby share a room or a bed?
CDC recommends keeping the baby’s sleep area, such as a crib or bassinet, in the same room as the caregiver, ideally until the baby is at least 6 months old. CDC describes room sharing without bed sharing as safer than having the baby sleep on the same adult sleep surface.
What should stay out of the sleep area?
CDC says soft bedding and soft objects should be kept out of the baby’s sleep area. Examples given by CDC include blankets, pillows, bumper pads and soft toys.
Related ChildSpecialist.in information
For a separate overview of signs WHO identifies as requiring prompt attention in the newborn period, see newborn danger signs parents should not ignore.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Providing Care for Babies to Sleep Safely.