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

> Back to sleep, a bare crib and room-sharing, for every sleep in the first year — from AAP safe-sleep guidance.

Stage: newborn - Topic: Sleep - Page: https://www.askcladle.com/guides/newborn/safe-sleep-infants

Grounded in: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe-sleep recommendations, as also presented in the What to Expect series. This is one of the few areas with firm, non-negotiable guidance.

## TLDR

- For every sleep in the first year: alone, on the back, in a crib, bassinet or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet only.
- No pillows, blankets, bumpers or soft toys. An ordinary sleep sack is fine; weighted ones aren't recommended.
- Share a room, not a bed, ideally for at least the first 6 months.

## 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.