Always position your baby on their back in the crib, with their feet touching the end of the crib.
Here's a breakdown of safe sleep practices for babies:
-
Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, both naps and at night. This is the safest sleep position and significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
-
Feet to Foot: Position your baby so their feet are touching the bottom of the crib. This prevents them from wriggling down under the covers.
-
Flat Surface: The crib mattress should be firm and flat. Do not use pillows, blankets, or soft toys in the crib, as these can pose a suffocation hazard.
-
Bare Crib: Keep the crib bare. Avoid bumpers, pillows, blankets, and soft toys. A fitted sheet is all that's needed.
-
Room Sharing: While your baby should sleep in their own crib, it is recommended that you keep the crib in your room for at least the first six months. This can reduce the risk of SIDS.
-
Continue Back Sleeping Even When Rolling: Once your baby learns to roll over, they may move onto their tummy during sleep. Continue to place them on their back initially. If they roll over on their own, you do not need to reposition them.
Why is back sleeping so important?
Sleeping on the back helps keep a baby's airway clear. Babies who sleep on their stomachs are more likely to re-breathe their own exhaled air, leading to a buildup of carbon dioxide and a decrease in oxygen. The back sleeping position has been proven to dramatically reduce the risk of SIDS.
In summary: Position your baby on their back in the crib with their feet touching the foot of the crib, ensuring a bare and safe sleeping environment.
