Safe Sleep Spaces For Infants: Daytime Naps

Ensuring your baby is sleeping safely is crucial, especially given the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other dangers like choking and suffocation. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own crib, bassinet, or Moses basket, in the same room as you, whether during the night or for daytime naps. This arrangement is known as room-sharing and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the first year of the baby's life, and at least for the first six months. Room-sharing reduces the risk of SIDS by as much as 50% and is much safer than bed-sharing.

Safe sleep environment

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own cot, crib, or bassinet, in the same room as you, whether it's during the night or at nap time during the day, for the first 6 months. This arrangement is known as room-sharing without bed-sharing.

Sleeping surface and position

Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that is in good condition and fits snugly in the crib or cot. The mattress should be covered with a sheet that fits snugly. Do not use a soft mattress or cushion.

Keep the sleep area clear

Keep soft objects such as plush toys, pillows, blankets, quilts, comforters, bumper pads, and loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area. Do not put anything else in the crib or bassinet except for the baby.

Avoid overheating

To avoid overheating, dress your baby for the room temperature and don't overbundle. Keep your baby's head uncovered while they're sleeping, and watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch.

Smoking

Keep your baby away from smokers and second-hand smoke. Smoking increases the risk of SIDS.

Pacifiers

Offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but don't force it. If the pacifier falls out during sleep, you don't need to replace it.

Hazards

Watch out for other hazards, such as items with cords, ties, or ribbons that can wrap around a baby's neck, and objects with any kind of sharp edge or corner. Hanging mobiles, wall hangings, pictures, draperies, and window blind cords could be harmful if they are within a baby's reach.

Safe sleep products

Do not let your baby fall asleep on products that are not specifically designed for sleeping babies, such as car seats, feeding pillows, or infant loungers. Do not use sleep positioners, wedges, or monitors that claim to lower the risk of SIDS.

Safe sleep spaces

If a crib is not an option, alternatives such as a carrycot or Moses basket can be used as portable sleeping solutions. Always ensure that these are placed on a safe, stable, flat, sturdy surface, away from pets or small children, and never carry your baby in the basket.

Room-sharing

Keep your baby's sleep area in the same room where you sleep, ideally until your baby is at least 6 months old. This can help reduce the risk of SIDS and make it easier to monitor, feed, and comfort your baby.

Cribs

Choosing a Crib

• Avoid antique cribs, and do not use cribs that are older than 10 years old.
• Ensure the crib is not modified, broken, or has a drop-side design. The CPSC recommends that crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby from getting stuck.
• Inspect the slats, corner posts, and hardware. All slats should be present and in good condition, with no missing or cracked slats. Corner posts should be no more than 1/16th inch high, so your baby's clothing cannot catch on them.
• Avoid cribs with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as they pose a risk of entrapment.

Setting Up the Crib

• Use a firm, tight-fitting mattress. Ensure there are no gaps larger than two fingers between the sides of the crib and the mattress to prevent entrapment.
• Keep the crib bare, without any pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads, or stuffed toys. The "Bare is Best" approach recommends only using a fitted sheet in the crib.
• Always place your baby on their back in the crib for sleep.
• Do not place the crib near windows with blind or curtain cords, baby monitor cords, or other hazards that could cause strangulation.
• Lower the volume on noise machines and place them at least 7 feet away from the crib.

Room-Sharing

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Keep your baby's crib close to your bed so they are nearby during the night, but avoid sharing the same bed.
• Room-sharing is recommended for at least the first 6 months, and ideally for the first year of your baby's life.

Additional Tips

• If you are breastfeeding, offer a pacifier after breastfeeding is firmly established. It is not necessary to replace the pacifier if it falls out during sleep.
• Keep your baby away from smokers and second-hand smoke.
• Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature to avoid overheating.
• Ensure your baby's crib meets current safety standards and check for any recalls.

Carrycots

A carrycot is a lightweight, portable bassinet designed for transporting your baby. It provides a flat, sturdy surface for babies to lie on and is typically suitable from birth until around six months old, or until your baby can get up on their hands and knees. A carrycot is a convenient option for daytime naps, as it allows you to keep your baby nearby and provides a flat, safe sleeping environment.

When choosing a carrycot, it is important to consider the baby's weight, the material of the carrycot, the presence of safety belts, and the size, among other factors. It is also essential to ensure that the carrycot meets safety standards and provides a firm, flat surface for the baby to sleep on. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns have 14-17 hours of sleep within a 24-hour period, so it is crucial that their sleeping environment is safe and comfortable.

In addition to portability, carrycots have features that allow you to feed your child while seated, rock them to sleep, and transport them safely. They are also convenient because you don't have to fuss with buckles or disturb your baby to get them in or out, making them an excellent option for newborns. Carrycots are also useful when travelling, as they can be easily transported and provide a familiar and cosy sleeping space for infants.

Some carrycots are suitable for overnight sleeping, but it is important to check the manufacturer's information to ensure they are appropriate. When used for overnight sleeping, it is recommended that carrycots have a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and good ventilation to ensure the baby's safety and comfort. Overall, a carrycot can be a valuable investment for the early months of a baby's life, offering convenience, comfort, and safety.

Moses baskets

A Moses basket is a small, portable bed that can be used to keep your baby close during the first few months after birth. They are a safe and convenient option for daytime sleep, allowing your baby to nap comfortably and safely in the same room as you.

The portability of Moses baskets means you can easily move your baby from room to room, keeping them close by throughout the day. This is particularly useful for feeding and comforting your newborn, who will need to feed every few hours.

When preparing a Moses basket for your baby's sleep, ensure the mattress is firm and flat, and covered with a tight-fitting sheet. Do not put anything else in the basket with your baby, including soft objects like plush toys, pillows, blankets, or quilts. Keep the basket away from hazards such as cords, ties, or ribbons that could pose a risk of strangulation.

Remember, it is important to always place your baby on their back to sleep and to avoid overheating by dressing them appropriately for the room temperature.

Safe sleep practices

Where should your baby sleep?

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their own crib, bassinet, or Moses basket in the same room as you, whether it’s during the night or at nap time during the day for the first 6 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.

• Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that is in good condition and fits the crib or bassinet snugly.
• Keep the sleep area clear of any items that could pose a hazard, such as loose bedding, pillows, toys, and crib bumpers.
• Maintain a comfortable room temperature to prevent your baby from overheating or getting too cold.
• Avoid covering your baby's head while they sleep, and ensure their blanket is tucked in no higher than their shoulders.

Safe sleep positions

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side.
• Place your baby in the 'feet-to-foot' position, with their feet at the end of the crib or bassinet.

Additional considerations

• Offer a pacifier to your baby at sleep time, but don't force it.
• Keep your baby away from smokers and second-hand smoke.
• Avoid using sleep positioners, nests, or anti-roll pillows, as they can cause suffocation.
• Don't let your baby sleep in a carrier, sling, car seat, or stroller for extended periods, as this can increase the risk of positional asphyxia.

Frequently asked questions