Many new parents worry about if they’re putting their baby to sleep safely and wonder if they have everything they need for a safe sleep environment. September is Baby Safety Month so it is a perfect time to check in on the environment you have created for your baby to ensure it meets safety standards.
At Owlet, we are dedicated to providing new parents and parents-to-be with the best information and products to help ease their transition into parenting while making sure safety remains a top priority.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has established safe sleep guidelines that parents should follow to keep their baby safe when sleeping. These guidelines include:
- Following the ABCs of safe sleep: Placing baby Alone, on his/her Back, in his/her Crib (or another safe sleeping place).
- In following this advice, do not place any soft bedding including loose blankets or pillows, stuffed animals, or other soft objects in your baby’s sleeping area. This also includes crib bumper pads.
- Your baby should sleep on a firm mattress that does not conform to his/her head shape, and should not be placed to sleep on a regular bed, couch, or other soft surface that could contour to his/her body and create a risk of accidental suffocation. AAP recommends using a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet only.
- Consider room-sharing with your baby, but not bed-sharing. The AAP recommends doing this for at least the first 6 months and optimally, for the first year of life.
- Keep your baby at a comfortable temperature to avoid overheating. Dress him/her in appropriate clothing that does not cover the face or head. Consider using a safe wearable blanket, like a sleep sack.
- Avoid the use of wedges or positioners.
During Baby Safety Month (and beyond!), help us in spreading the word to all parents in your life on how to create a safe sleep environment for your baby.
