Safe Sleep Checklist

Safe sleep is something us pediatric nurses educate on daily! We can't think of a better way to kick off the new year than a reminder on safe sleeping. Thank you to Taking Cara Babies for this great refresher.

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Having a great little sleeper is wonderful, but at Taking Cara Babies, we also want you to have a safe sleeper. Please use this checklist for babies 0-12 months as a quick reference and reminder for safe sleep. Make sure the baby products you are using are safe too.

Sleep surface safety

Sleep Surface should be...

• Firm (No need for mattress cushions or pillow tops)

• Flat (Even for reflux babies or babies with upper respiratory infections, an elevated position is not safe for sleep.)

• Labeled as a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard (No loungers, sleepers, nappers, or surfaces by any other name are approved.)

• Clear of weighted products of any kind, any loose bedding, blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows

• Free of any positional devices (No Boppy, DockATot, SnuggleMe, Organic, etc. Transitioning out of these devices is best for safe sleep.)

• More than an arm’s length away from windows, furniture, and cords

• His/her own space (Not bed-sharing with parents or siblings)

Crib safety

Crib should have...

• No gaps around the edges of the mattress

• No bumpers

• Snuggly fitted sheets on the mattress

• Slats no more than 2 ⅜ inch apart

• No drop-down sides

• Crib mattress at the appropriate height setting (When baby begins to sit independently, crib rail should be at mid-chest or higher on baby in the standing position.)

Bassinet safety

• Only use with the mattress sold specifically with it (applies to play yards too)

• Transition when baby outgrows it (Weight/length limits OR when baby can sit, climb, or roll out)

Swaddling safety

Swaddle should be...

• Snug around the chest, but still allow for your hand to slide inside

• Loose around the hips

• Secure (Swaddles that velcro can help to ensure that babies are secure.)

• Discontinued when baby show signs of attempting to roll (usually occurs at 3-4 months)⁽¹⁾

• Only in non-weighted swaddles

Baby's sleep position and environment safety

Baby should be...

• Placed on back for sleep for the entire first year

• Allowed to sleep on his tummy IF he/she rolls there independently

• Offered a pacifier at nap time and bedtime

• Free of any bows, clips, hats, or mittens

• Free of any blankets, weighted swaddles, or weighted sleep sacks of any kind

• Dressed for temperature comfort

Safety considerations for sleep outside of the crib:

• If baby is being held or snuggled for sleep, caregiver must remain awake.

• If baby falls asleep in a car seat, swing, carrier, or stroller, baby is moved to flat, firm sleep surface as soon as safe and practical (as specifically recommended by the AAP⁽²⁾).

• Car seat sleep is safe when car seat is in the car, car seat is installed/used properly, and baby is buckled as directed. - Baby must NOT be swaddled in car seat. - No positioners, padding, toys, etc. in car seat other than what was sold with that particular car seat.

• If baby is in a car seat outside of the car, these must all apply: - Baby must remain properly buckled. - Baby’s face should be entirely visible to a watching caretaker at all times. - Car seat should be placed in the big portion of shopping cart or in an approved adapter for a stroller. - Remove baby from car seat once you arrive home or to your destination.

Click here to get a printable version of this checklist. *Disclaimer: Please always follow the advice of your doctor and stay up to date with all the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics¹ or the safe sleep guidelines for where you live.