How to Position an Infant for Sleep

To lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the following guidelines when laying your baby down to sleep.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Sleeper Suits
• Baby Bumpers
• Bottom Sheets
• Cribs
• Newborn Sleep Pillows
• Firm Mattresses

1. Provide proper bedding: a firm infant mattress free of pillows, stuffed animals or comforters that could block your baby's airway. Crib bumpers should be securely fastened to the bars.
2. Lay your newborn down on his back, not his stomach. Research suggests that this position may lower the risk of SIDS.
3. Ask your pediatrician about alternate sleeping positions if your baby was a preemie who experienced respiratory distress or if your baby has a gastroesophageal reflux.
4. Consider purchasing a newborn sleep pillow to keep your baby from rolling from his back or side to his stomach. Discuss this idea with your doctor.
5. Avoid covering your baby with a blanket. Instead, put him in a sleeper suit that will keep him warm without blankets.

Tips & Warnings

• Placing a baby on his back, even after a feeding, will not increase the risk of choking on spit-up food.
• Make sure your crib meets safety standards: Bars shouldn't be wider than 2 3/8 inches apart, and no gaps should exist between the mattress and the frame.