- Infants should ALWAYS sleep in a crib, which meets current federal and ASTM standards.
- Choose a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib.
- ALWAYS use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress and wraps around the mattress corners.
- Select bumper pads that fit around the entire crib and tie or snap securely into place.
- Use bumper pads only until the child can pull up to a standing position. Then remove them so baby cannot use the pads to climb out of the crib.
- Mobiles should also be removed when baby can pull himself or herself up.
- NEVER place infants to sleep on pillows, sofa cushions, adult beds, waterbeds, beanbags, or any other surface not specifically designed for infant sleep.
For Baby Under 12 Months…
- Normal, healthy infants should ALWAYS sleep on their backs unless otherwise advised by a pediatrician.
- Only a fitted sheet, mattress pad, and/or waterproof pad should be used under baby.
- Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like stuffed toys, and other pillow-like products from the crib.
- Cover baby with a thin covering, such as a crib blanket, receiving blanket or other blankets specifically designed for infants, only reaching as far as baby’s chest, and tuck the covering around the crib mattress.
For newborns, consider swaddling.
- Do not overdress your baby. Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to any covering.
