Safe Sleep for Babies: The AAP Guidelines
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: Safe sleep for babies, per the AAP: place your baby on their back for every sleep, alone, on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface with no pillows, bumpers or loose bedding. Room-share without bed-sharing, ideally for at least 6 months. Avoid overheating, smoke and inclined or weighted products. Offer a pacifier at sleep.
TL;DR
- Back, alone, flat and firm, for every sleep.
- Share a room, not a bed, ideally to 6 months.
- No bumpers, pillows, inclined or weighted products.
Safe sleep for babies is the most important topic on this site. The AAP's 2022 safe sleep policy, explained by HealthyChildren.org and the NICHD Safe to Sleep campaign, is the basis for everything below.
The safe sleep basics
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Back to sleep for every nap and night | Side or tummy sleeping |
| Firm, flat, non-inclined crib or bassinet | Sofas, armchairs, inclined sleepers |
| Fitted sheet only | Pillows, bumpers, blankets, soft toys |
| Room-share, ideally to 6 months | Bed-sharing |
| Pacifier at sleep time (once breastfeeding is set) | Weighted sleep sacks or swaddles |
| Light clothing, no hats indoors | Overheating |
Swaddling
Swaddling can calm newborns, but stop as soon as your baby shows signs of trying to roll, as the AAP advises. Always place a swaddled baby on their back.
Car seats, swings and slings
If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing or sling, move them to a firm, flat surface as soon as you can. Sitting devices aren't for routine sleep.
What else lowers risk
The NICHD and AAP list breastfeeding, a smoke-free home, avoiding alcohol and drugs around your baby, and routine vaccines as ways to lower the risk of SIDS. Supervised tummy time while awake also helps development.
Monitors and apps
The AAP advises against relying on home monitors or devices marketed to reduce SIDS. Tot is a baby log, not a baby monitor: it records sleep times you enter and does not track breathing, heart rate or movement.
Safe sleep by age
Room-sharing is recommended ideally for at least the first 6 months. Keep soft objects out of the crib until at least 12 months. For schedules that respect these rules, see the baby sleep schedule by age.
Related: how much sleep a baby needs · newborn sleep schedule · newborn first week · baby sleep tracker
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Sources
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe (AAP policy explained): www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NICHD Safe to Sleep campaign: safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NICHD Safe to Sleep: Ways to reduce the risk of SIDS: safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NICHD: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): www.nichd.nih.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NHS: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): www.nhs.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
Can my baby sleep on their side?
No. The AAP recommends back sleeping for every sleep until age 1. If your baby rolls on their own, you don't need to roll them back.
When can my baby have a blanket?
Not before 12 months; use a wearable blanket or sleep sack instead.
Is bed-sharing safe?
The AAP recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing.
Are crib bumpers safe?
No. The AAP advises against bumpers.
Does Tot monitor my baby's breathing?
No. Tot is a log for feeds, sleep and diapers, not a baby monitor.
Related guides
Track this in Tot
Tot is a free baby tracker app for iPhone and Android that logs breastfeeding, bottle feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicine, and lets parents share the log with a partner or caretaker.
