What’s the perfect bedding for baby? You might be surprised to learn the answer. A baby’s crib should have a tight-fitting, firm mattress with a fitted crib sheet. That’s it! Those adorable blankets, bumpers and other soft surfaces can block baby’s airway during sleep.

When babies get wedged against or buried in soft objects in the bed with them, they can suffocate. This can also happen when someone in the same bed rolls over them.

Room-sharing is a safer option than having your baby sleep in bed with you. Place your baby’s crib, play yard or bassinet in your room during the first 6 months for more convenient feeding and close contact. Remember to always return your baby to his or her own space when you’re ready to go back to sleep.

Do’s and Don’ts of Safe Sleep

Do:

• Lay your baby on his or her back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

• Use a safe crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress covered with a crib sheet and nothing else in it.

• To keep your baby warm, use a sleep sack (wearable blanket).

Don't

• Put your baby to sleep on beds, sofas, recliners, chairs, soft surfaces, bouncy chairs, baby swings, or car seats.

• Use pillows, loose sheets or blankets, stuffed toys, crib bumpers, sleep positioners, and other soft bedding products.

Related Resources

• Product Recalls
• Babies (0-12 months)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA)
• Cribs for Kids