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Safe sleep for babies: alone, on the back, in a crib

The American Academy of Pediatrics' 2022 safe sleep guidance, which the NIH's Safe to Sleep campaign shares, comes down to three words: alone, on the back, in a crib. Place your baby on their back for every sleep, on a firm, flat surface, in a crib or bassinet with nothing in it but a fitted sheet, in your room but not your bed.

Checked October 29, 2026.

Alone, on the back, in a crib

  • Alone: not in an adult bed, on a couch or armchair, or with other people or pets. A separate infant sleep space, such as a crib, bassinet or portable play yard, is the way (NICHD).
  • On the back: place your baby on their back for every sleep, naps and nighttime, for babies under one year (AAP).
  • In a crib: a firm, flat surface that is not tilted, in a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards and has not been recalled, with a fitted sheet and nothing tucked under it (AAP).

Keep the crib bare

The NIH says a crib with nothing in it except a fitted sheet covering the mattress is the safest. The AAP says to keep pillows, blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals out of the sleep area. Weighted blankets, clothing and other weighted objects are not recommended.

In your room, not your bed

The AAP says to have your baby sleep in the same room as you but not in the same bed, ideally within arm's reach, for at least the first 6 months and preferably up to a year. The CDC gives the same advice.

Car seats, strollers, swings and slings

The AAP says these are not recommended for routine sleep, especially before 4 months. If your baby falls asleep in one, move them to a flat, firm sleep surface as soon as you can.

More things the AAP says help

  • Dress your baby in about one layer more than an adult would wear. Do not cover their head. A wearable blanket that fits is an option.
  • Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. If you are breastfeeding, wait until feeding is going well. Don't put it back in once your baby is asleep.
  • Keep your baby away from smoke, in your home and car.
  • Breastfeed as much and as long as you can, and keep every well-child visit.
  • Give your baby supervised tummy time while awake.
  • If you swaddle, always place your baby on the back, and stop when they start to try to roll. The AAP says swaddling is not a way to lower risk.

What the AAP says not to rely on

Do not buy products that claim to lower the risk, and do not rely on home heart or breathing monitors for this purpose. The AAP says there is no evidence they work.

Call your pediatrician if…

Questions about where or how your baby sleeps? Ask your pediatrician. In an emergency, call 911. These pages explain the advice in more detail:

Peabody editors write these pages from the sources below. We are not doctors, and this is not medical advice for your child.

Sources