Safe Sleep for Babies: Back to Sleep, a Bare Crib and Room-Sharing (AAP)

The basics, for every sleep (naps and nights) in the first year

• Alone, on the Back, in a Crib (the "ABCs"): the baby sleeps on their back, on a firm, flat surface (crib, bassinet or play yard that meets safety standards), with a fitted sheet only.
• Nothing else in the sleep space: no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or soft toys. A wearable blanket or sleep sack is fine if warmth is needed — but use an ordinary, unweighted one. Weighted sleep sacks, swaddles and blankets are not recommended by the AAP.
• Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended, ideally for at least the first 6 months.
• Avoid inclined sleepers, car seats, swings or couches for routine sleep. If a baby falls asleep in a car seat or swing, move them to a flat, safe surface when practical. Falling asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair is especially dangerous.
• Avoid overheating and smoke exposure. Offering a pacifier at sleep time is associated with lower risk.
• Once a baby can roll both ways on their own, they don't need to be repositioned onto their back.

Why firm guidance here

Sleep-related infant deaths are rare but devastating, and these steps are well supported by evidence. This is an area where "every family is different" does not apply to the basics.