The ABCs of safe sleep for babies

Whether you’re expecting your first child or putting your third down for a nap, parents looking for the latest in safe sleep recommendations need to remember “A-B-C.”

A. In bed ALONE: The safest place for your baby to sleep is in the same room as an adult—but not in the same bed as any adults or siblings. Baby also shouldn’t share their cribs with stuffed animals, pillows, bumpers, sleep positioners, blankets or toys.

B. On their BACK: During the first 12 months, babies should sleep on their backs, even during naps

. Tummy time is important for building strength, but babies should be on their tummies only when awake and supervised.

C. In a CRIB: When babies fall asleep in their car seats or bouncers, it can be tempting to leave them there to slumber. But your baby is safest in a crib or bassinet, which should be flat and firm.

You and all your baby’s caregivers should follow the ABCs of safe sleep for the first year of your baby’s life.

Stay alert

“Babies are not able to tell they’re in trouble and can’t physically push something away that is on top of them, like a pillow or blanket,” says Michelle Beebe, MPH, BSN, manager of Perinatal Outreach for Kettering Health Network and a certified childbirth educator.

New parents are often sleep-deprived, but don’t overlook your own needs— knowing when you’re too tired to hold or feed your baby is a big part of keeping your child safe.

“If you think you’re going to fall asleep, put your baby in the crib—or make sure someone else is around to care for the baby,” cautions Michelle.

Don’t over-bundle

“Your baby should require only one more layer of clothing than you are comfortable in,” says Karen Sloop, RN, MSN Ed., a neonatal intensive care educator with Kettering

Health Network.

Maintain a comfortable temperature in your house and baby’s room.

If you’re worried that your baby might be cold, she or he can wear a sleep sack. Don’t put your baby to bed with a bib, hat or scarf, which pose suffocation risks when in the crib with your infant.

Brief your babysitters

Anyone who cares for your baby should know about safe sleep. As your baby’s primary caretaker, you set the expectations for your child’s sleeping conditions. You might choose to write down your rules for sleep or even give this article to your baby’s caregivers to read.

Hone your skills

Kettering Health Network offers an array of online classes for parents—new or not—including courses on infant/child safety and CPR. “Share with your friends and family what you learn,” Karen says. Visit ketteringhealth.org/obclasses to enroll.