Safe sleep for babies: the basics every parent should know
A short checklist for a safe sleep space, based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
By Best Sleep Trackers · Updated October 18, 2026
Safe sleep is the one area of baby sleep where there are clear, widely agreed rules. This is a short summary of the points the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stresses. The full guidance is linked below; please read it.
The checklist
- On the back, every sleep. Naps and night-time.
- A firm, flat surface. A crib or bassinet that is flat and not inclined, with a fitted sheet made for it.
- Keep it bare. No pillows, blankets, bumpers or soft toys in the sleep space.
- Room share, don’t bed share. The AAP recommends sharing a room with your baby, ideally for at least the first 6 months, but on a separate surface.
- Use only products made for infant sleep. The AAP advises against inclined sleepers, in-bed sleepers, nests and similar products.
- Move a sleeping baby to a flat surface. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller or swing, move them to a firm, flat sleep surface on their back as soon as you can.
Check for recalls
Sleep products are sometimes recalled. You can check at cpsc.gov/Recalls.
Where to read more
The AAP’s parent guide to safe sleep and the Safe to Sleep campaign from the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development explain the reasons behind each recommendation. If you have questions about your own baby, ask your pediatrician.
Sources
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General information only. This tool gives general sleep information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you're worried about your sleep or your child's, talk to a doctor or pediatrician.