safe sleep in plain english, straight from the AAP

not my opinion, just the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidance without the pamphlet language. from the 2022 policy update, still current.

back to sleep, every time

every nap, every night, until they're 1. no exceptions for a fussy night or grandma's house.

firm, flat sleep surface only

crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard. no couch, no swing, no car seat for actual sleep.

room-share, don't bed-share

baby's crib in your room for at least 6 months, not in your bed. the AAP is direct: they don't recommend bed-sharing, ever.

nothing soft in the crib

no pillows, no blankets, no bumpers, no stuffed animal 'just for looks'. bare mattress, fitted sheet, that's it.

don't let them overheat

one layer more than you'd wear yourself is the rule of thumb. sweaty neck means take something off.

breastfeed if you can

the AAP lists it as protective against SIDS. we used this daily, i know it's not possible for everyone and that's fine, no guilt here.

offer a pacifier at sleep times

once breastfeeding is established, if you're nursing. the AAP frames it as an option, not a requirement.

no smoking or nicotine, during pregnancy or after

go to every well-child visit

it's on the AAP's own safe sleep list, not a separate thing. ask your pediatrician about anything here that doesn't fit your setup.

tummy time daily, while awake

not at night, only while someone's watching. builds the neck strength that makes back sleep safer long term.

swaddle safely if you want to

arms can be in or out, hips loose enough to bend. stop the second they start rolling, that part's not optional.

be skeptical of 'sleep safety' products

regular prenatal care is part of this too

easy to skim past as generic pregnancy advice but the AAP files it under safe sleep specifically.

Related lists

baby proofing, room by room (what we really did)