How To Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: Safe Sleep Tips

Share

By J.Blackstone · Updated October 16, 2026

Quick AnswerAlways place your baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night, up to 12 months old. Use a firm, flat mattress in a crib with nothing else in it: no pillows, blankets, bumpers or stuffed animals, which raise the risk of suffocation.

Parents, keeping your sleeping baby safe is a top priority. Follow these expert tips to ensure your little one sleeps soundly and securely. Since the “Back to Sleep” campaign, SIDS incidents have dropped by 50%. This means placing your baby on their back in the crib up to 12 months.

However, suffocation deaths have increased due to items in the crib or the crib itself. Here’s how to prevent this and ensure a safe sleep environment.

🛏️ What Bedding Is Safe In A Sleeping Baby Crib?

Remove blankets, pillows, and comforters from the crib. Clear out everything:

pillows
pillow-like bumper pads
sheepskins
thick blankets
comforters
pillow-like stuffed toys
and positioning devices.

Babies shouldn’t use a pillow until they are a year and a half. Thick blankets and comforters should never be in cribs with babies. Dress your baby in a warm blanket sleeper instead. If a thin blanket is needed, place baby’s feet at the bottom of the crib, tuck the blanket under the mattress, and ensure it reaches only to chest height. Refer to “Bare is Best“

🚫 Remove Positioners From The Crib

dummy using a positioner — Sweet Dreams Baby, Sleep Safely

Baby positioners, used to maintain a back-lying position, pose suffocation risks if the baby rolls over. These devices can trap infants between the device and crib sides, under the device, face down into the device, or with their heads hanging over a wedge device.

🧸 Remove Toys From The Crib

Never place pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib. Remove hanging crib toys, including mobiles, when the baby starts pushing up on hands and knees or can sit up. Large toys should be removed when the baby can pull themselves to stand, as they may use them as steps to exit the crib.

🔌 Look For Cords Near The Crib

Check for any cords, including Roman shade cords, lamp cords, and baby monitoring device cords. Place lamps, baby monitors, or any electrical device with a cord at least three feet away from the crib. Position your crib away from windows and tie up cords from Roman shades and Venetian blinds. Leave them tied up until the child is much older, as these present a hazard past the toddler years.

🛏️ Use Only Crib Sheets

Use a crib sheet that fits snugly and cannot be pulled away from the mattress at the corners. Never use adult-size sheets in a crib, as they can pull loose and entangle the baby.

Please see Your baby’s safe sleep starts with the crib for information on testing your crib for safety.

💡 Quick Tip: Always ensure that the crib meets current safety standards and is free of any recalls.

🛏️ FAQ

Are Pillows Safe In A Baby’s Crib?

Pillows are not safe in a baby’s crib as they can create a choking or suffocation hazard. They may also cause the baby to overheat, increasing the SID risk. Consult with your pediatrician about using pillows after seven months. At seven months, pillows comfort some babies allowing them to fall asleep. Check with your doctor first.

What Should You Do If You Have Questions?

If you have any questions about whether or not an item is safe to put in your baby’s crib, you should consult your pediatrician.

When Do These Rules No Longer Apply?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different babies will develop at different rates. However, most pediatricians agree that these rules should generally be followed until the baby reaches around 12-18 months old. You should consult your pediatrician.

📌 Remember, the information provided here is general advice. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance on keeping your baby safe.

❓ Questions People Ask

What Are The Best Ways To Transition Summer Clothes To Fall?

For tips on transitioning your baby’s wardrobe, check out our article on How To Transition Summer Clothes To Fall.

How Can I Care For My Baby’s Teeth To Prevent Cavities?

Learn more about dental care for babies in our article on Caring for Baby Teeth to Prevent Cavities.

Are There Any Free Or Almost Free Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day?

Discover some thoughtful and budget-friendly gift ideas in our article on Gifts for mom that are free (almost) for Mother’s Day.

Note: Some links in this article may be affiliate links.

📚 Keep Reading

💬 Ask Anything About This

Get a straight answer in a few seconds.

Answers are written by AI from this site's own pages. Want a real person, or have an idea for a page we should write? Use the message button in the corner; every message gets an answer.

✍️

About J.Blackstone

Jordan writes the gift guides, holiday checklists and home tips here at Dobibe, tests the ideas on his own busy household, and builds the tools behind FabaShelf, KeyHUD and Root And Coop. Have a question or an idea for a page? Use the message button in the corner; he answers every one.

Essential Tips For Keeping Your Sleeping Baby Safe