Bringing a newborn home is an exciting and life-changing experience, but it also comes with the huge responsibility of keeping your baby safe—especially while they sleep. We know it can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together these essential safe sleep tips to give you peace of mind and help your little one sleep soundly.
- Always Place Your Baby on Their Back to Sleep
The safest way for your baby to sleep is on their back, whether it’s nap time or bedtime. This simple practice can significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death among infants under one year old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping babies on their backs for every sleep until their first birthday.
Why it matters: Sleeping on the back helps keep your baby's airways open, making it safer and reducing the chance of suffocation.
- Use a Firm Sleep Surface
Your baby’s sleep surface should be firm, flat, and covered with a fitted sheet. Soft mattresses, cushions, and other bedding can create dangerous gaps or depressions, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Tip: Choose crib mattresses, bassinets, or portable cribs that meet the latest safety standards for a worry-free sleep setup.
- Ditch the Blanket: Go for a Sleeping Bag
Loose blankets are a no-go for babies as they can easily tangle or cover your baby’s face, posing a risk of suffocation or overheating. Instead, opt for a cozy baby sleeping bag. Sleeping bags provide warmth and security while staying in place all night, making them a safer alternative.
How it helps: Our Little Lunar Sleeping Bags, like the DreamNest, ensure your baby stays warm without the risk of loose bedding. Plus, they maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature all night long.
- Keep the Crib Free of Soft Objects
Avoid placing pillows, stuffed animals, or any other soft items in your baby’s crib. These objects can block your baby’s airway and are best kept out of the sleep space.
Safe alternative: With a sleeping bag, your baby will be warm and snug without the need for extra bedding, reducing suffocation risks.
- Share a Room, Not a Bed
For the first six months, the RIVM recommends room-sharing. This means keeping your baby in your room but on a separate sleep surface, like a crib or bassinet. Room-sharing can lower the risk of SIDS and make night feeds more convenient.
Important: Bed-sharing is not recommended as it increases the risk of suffocation and sleep-related accidents. Place your baby's crib next to your bed for easy access while still keeping them safe.
- Keep the Sleep Area Smoke-Free
Exposure to secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor for SIDS. Make sure your baby’s sleep environment is completely smoke-free to protect their delicate lungs and overall health.
Recommendation: If someone in your household smokes, ensure they never do so indoors or around your baby. Quitting is best for everyone’s health.
- Offer a Pacifier at Sleep Times
Using a pacifier at nap time and bedtime has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. If you’re breastfeeding, wait until your baby is around 3-4 weeks old and breastfeeding is well-established before introducing one.
Tip: Don’t worry if the pacifier falls out while your baby is asleep—there’s no need to put it back in.
- Keep Up with Vaccinations
Regular checkups and vaccinations are essential for your baby's health and can also lower the risk of SIDS. Follow your pediatrician’s recommended schedule to protect your little one from preventable diseases.
Why it matters: Vaccines help strengthen your baby’s immune system, making them less vulnerable to illnesses that could impact their breathing.
Final Thoughts: Creating a Safe Sleep Environment
Taking these steps will go a long way in reducing the risk of SIDS and keeping your baby safe and comfortable at night. At Little Lunar, we’re dedicated to supporting safe sleep with our collection of high-quality, thoughtfully designed sleeping bags. Our sleeping bags are crafted to keep your baby snug and secure—no loose blankets needed!
Ready to make your baby’s sleep safer? Explore our collection of bamboo sleeping bags here and give your baby the comfort and security they deserve.
