Congratulations on your new baby! It is an exciting time to be expecting a baby and you may be creating a baby wish list. One key component of any baby registry is a safe sleep checklist. Do you have everything you need to ensure that your baby has a safe place to sleep from day one?
Baby gift idea #1: A separate place to sleep: a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard
Not every baby product is a safe place to sleep! Here is a list of the ONLY sleep spaces for baby that you should put on your baby registry.
Full-size crib: Look for models manufactured after 2011 to ensure they meet updated safety standards (no drop-sides, correct slat spacing).
Bassinet: A small sleep space that is ideal for the first 4-6 months (or until baby reaches weight/height limits or shows signs of rolling). Many parents prefer bassinets for room-sharing, as they take up less space than a full crib next to the bed.
Portable play yard (pack 'n play): Many play yards come with a bassinet insert for newborns. After that stage, the play yard can also be used for travel or as a play space as the baby grows.
Why these types of cribs? These products are tested and approved for safe sleep. Many baby products are built at an incline, such as rockers, gliders, soothers, and swings. These products should never be used for infant sleep; they are for play time when your baby is awake.
Baby gift idea #2: Firm, flat mattress
Whether for a crib or bassinet, the mattress must be firm and fit snugly, with no gaps between the mattress and the frame. Never use a soft mattress (like memory foam): soft surfaces can lead to suffocation or entrapment. When you press your hand into the mattress, it should not leave an indentation.
Why a firm, flat mattress? The mattress might seem uncomfortable to you, but a firm mattress is safest for your baby. It helps keep your baby from becoming entrapped and suffocating.
Baby gift idea #3: Fitted sheets (2-3 or more)
You'll need multiple fitted sheets specifically designed for the size of your crib or bassinet mattress. Fitted sheets have elastic that allow them to fit snugly around the mattress. You may need more than two or three, depending on your access to laundry--sheets have to be changed for diaper leaks, spit-ups, and more.
Why fitted sheets? Fitted sheets stay where they are supposed to. Never use loose sheets, blankets, quilts, bumpers, or soft items in the sleeping space. They can wrap around a baby’s face and cause suffocation.
Baby gift idea #4: Sleep sack instead of blankets, quilts, or hats
Sleep sacks, also called “wearable blankets,” are a safe alternative to loose blankets in a baby’s crib. The American Academy of Pediatric recommends no more than one extra layer above what you are wearing.
Sleep sacks come in different thicknesses, or TOG ratings, so you can accommodate home’s temperature and your local climate.
Why a sleep sack? Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. Your baby may be too hot if they are sweating or if their chest feels warm. Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature. Sleep sacks can help you choose the right number of layers for your baby, and they can't become wrapped around your baby's face the way loose blankets can.
Baby gift idea #5: Pacifier
Pacifier use can reduce the risk of SIDS. If you are breastfeeding, wait until you have established feeding and your baby is gaining weight well. If you are using bottles, you may start a pacifier whenever you choose.
Babies can be picky about pacifier types, so you may want to try a few different types. Do not attach pacifiers to clothing or toys while sleeping, as babies can be choked or suffocated.
Why pacifiers? Researchers believe that pacifier use can help open a baby’s airway slightly. Additionally, pacifiers may prevent babies from sleeping very deeply, which means they can wake up more easily if they are in danger.
Your baby registry can reduce your baby’s SIDS risk!
Buying baby gifts and celebrating a new baby is so exciting, and it is also a great opportunity to ensure safe sleep practices from the baby’s first day at home. Buying sleep products can be overwhelming, especially because marketers want you to think that their product is the best. Remember that a safe sleeping environment is pretty boring: an empty crib, a fitted sheet, a sleep sack, and a pacifier. But when it comes to safe sleep, boring is better.
To reduce the risk of SIDS, always follow the ABCS of Safe Sleep. For every sleep, baby should be:
A - Alone
B - On their Back
C - In a Crib
S - In a Smoke-free environment
Learn more about the ABCS of safe sleep here.
About SIDS of Illinois
Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, Inc., is a not for profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the prevention of sudden, unexpected infant death by providing educational programs to families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, childcare providers, and the general public as well as bereavement services to families and any others who have experienced the tragedy of sudden, unexpected infant death. Donate here to become a Safe Sleep Supporter!
