Safe sleep guidelines exist because they meaningfully reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death. They're simple to follow once they become habit.
The ABCs of safe sleep
Alone, on their Back, in a Crib — that's the shorthand pediatricians use. Your baby should sleep alone (no bed-sharing), on their back (not side or stomach), and in a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress.
What to keep out of the crib
Loose blankets, pillows, bumpers, and stuffed animals all increase suffocation risk and should stay out of the sleep space until your baby is at least a year old. A well-fitted sleep sack is a safer alternative to loose blankets.
Room temperature and sharing a room
Keep the room between 68–72°F (20–22°C) — overheating is a known risk factor. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing (not bed-sharing) for at least the first six months.