Babies need to sleep on firm mattresses and without anything, such as soft bedding or stuffed animals.
These items could trap or suffocate the child. When an infant or child sleeps with any sleeping person in a bed, chair, couch, or anywhere that is not safe for a baby, it is known as “unsafe sleeping.”
This also could be called: “bed sharing,” “co-sleeping,” or “the family bed.” Unsafe sleeping is dangerous because babies can be smothered and suffocate if they:
• Are rolled on top of by a sleeping adult or other child.
• Slip down under the bedding or into the pillows.
• Become trapped between the bed and the wall, between cushions on a couch, or against parts or a person’s body.
In response to the number of infant deaths reported due to unsafe sleeping conditions, the team recently produced a pamphlet about safe sleeping practices for infants. Parents and care providers are advised to:
• Put your baby to sleep on his back in his own crib.
• Use a crib that is sturdy and well maintained.
• Us a firm crib mattress that fits the crib tightly.
• Have a tight-fitting crib sheet.
• Keep crib bedding simple – avoid extra blankets, any pillows and bumper pads.
• Use a baby monitor to help you hear your baby.
• Move the baby’s crib or bassinet into your room if you want to be close to him.
• Do not leave our baby asleep and unattended in a car safety seat.