What is the best position to lay a baby to sleep?

The best and safest position to lay a baby to sleep is on their back.

Here's a breakdown of why this is the recommended practice and other important considerations for safe sleep:

Safe Sleep Practices for Babies

To ensure a baby's safety while sleeping, always follow these guidelines, which are supported by medical professionals and research:

Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night. The reference material confirms this: the safest sleeping position for a baby is on their back.
Firm and Flat Surface: Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet.
Bare Crib: Keep the crib bare. Remove all soft objects, loose bedding, toys, bumpers, and pillows. As the reference notes, the bed should be flat and firm and free from cords, toys, pillows, and other items that could cause harm.
Room Sharing: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep in the parents' room, close to the parents' bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for at least the first six months.

Placing a baby on their back to sleep significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Here's a quick comparison of sleep positions and their associated risks:

By adhering to these safe sleep practices, parents and caregivers can create a safer sleep environment and greatly reduce the risk of SIDS.