Safe Sleep Checklist: Ensuring the Safety of Our Littlest Sleepers (0-12 Months)
Updated to Reflect the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2022 Recommendations
Before embarking on the journey to independent sleep, safety is paramount. This checklist serves as a quick reference to ensure a secure sleep environment for your baby.
Sleep Surface Essentials:
Firmness: The surface should be firm without additional mattress cushions or pillow tops.
Flatness: Suitable for all babies, including those with reflux, GERD, colic, or upper respiratory infections. An elevated position is not recommended.
Certification: Must be labeled as a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard. Other types of loungers or sleepers are not approved.
Clutter-Free: No weighted products, loose bedding, blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows.
Device-Free: Avoid all positional devices like Boppy, DockATot, SnuggleMe Organic, etc.
Safe Distance: Positioned more than an arm’s length away from windows, furniture, and cords.
Individual Space: The baby should not share a bed with parents or siblings.
Crib Specifications:
Mattress Fit: No gaps around the mattress edges.
Bumper-Free: The crib should not have bumpers.
Sheet Security: Snugly fitted sheets only.
Slats: Ensure they are no more than 2 inches apart.
Mattress Height: Adjusted appropriately as the baby grows, especially when they begin to sit independently.
Bassinet Usage:
Specific Mattress: Use only the mattress sold with the bassinet (also applies to play yards).
Timely Transition: Move the baby when they outgrow the bassinet, either by weight/length limits or when they can sit, climb, or roll out.
Swaddling Guidelines:
Chest Comfort: Swaddle should be snug around the chest but allow a hand to slide inside.
Hip Health: The swaddle should be loose around the hips.
Security: Use swaddles with velcro or zippers for a secure fit.
Rolling Response: Discontinue swaddling when the baby shows signs of rolling, typically around 3-4 months.
Weight: Only use non-weighted swaddles.
Baby’s Sleep Positioning:
Back to Sleep: Place the baby on their back for sleep during the first year.
Tummy Time: Allow tummy sleeping only if the baby rolls there independently.
Accessory-Free: No bows, clips, hats, or mittens during sleep.
Blanket-Free: Avoid all blankets, weighted swaddles, or weighted sleep sacks.
Comfort Dressing: Dress the baby appropriately for the room temperature.
Considerations for Sleep Outside the Crib:
Alert Caregiving: If holding or snuggling a sleeping baby, the caregiver must stay awake.
Transitioning: Move the baby to a flat, firm sleep surface as soon as practical if they fall asleep in a car seat, swing, carrier, or stroller.
Car Seat Safety: Ensure safe car seat sleep by proper installation, usage, and buckling. Avoid swaddling in a car seat and refrain from adding positioners, padding, or toys not sold with the seat.
Visibility and Airflow: When outside the car, keep the baby’s face visible to the caretaker at all times, ensure proper buckling, and maintain good