The sheer volume of baby products for sale can be overwhelming. Companies have powerful marketing tools and it’s hard to know what is truly safe for your baby. Unfortunately, some products that claim to solve baby sleep problems have been proven to be fatal to sleeping babies.
We want to highlight products that are recommended by SIDS of Illinois, a SIDS-prevention nonprofit organization. These are foundational items that support the ABCS of safe sleep: Alone, on their Back, in a Crib, in a Smoke-free environment. Here, we’ll share five safe sleep products that help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Safe sleep product #1: A firm crib or bassinet mattress
Safe sleep needs to occur on a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface. This means your baby's crib or bassinet mattress should be firm, not squishy or soft like an adult bed.
Why?
A firm mattress provides stable support and prevents your baby from sinking into a position that could compromise their airway.
How?
The mattress must fit snugly in the crib or bassinet, with no gaps around the edges where your baby could become entrapped. Any mattress or sleep surface that inclines more than 10 degrees or is overly soft is considered unsafe by pediatric experts.
Safe sleep product #2: Wearable blankets or sleep sacks
Loose blankets in the crib are a suffocation risk for infants. We recommend dressing your baby in a wearable blanket or sleep sack. A sleep sack is a sleeveless garment worn over pajamas, so it can keep your baby warm without any loose fabric.
Why?
A sleep sack allows your baby to move freely while sleeping, while traditional blankets can cover their face or become entangled around your baby's neck. Sleep sacks also help ensure your baby is comfortably warm without overheating (which is another SIDS risk factor).
How?
When choosing a sleep sack, select one that is the appropriate size for your baby to ensure a snug fit around the neck and arms, preventing them from slipping down inside. Look for varying TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) ratings to match your home's temperature and the season. To assess how many layers your baby should wear, add no more than one layer of clothing to the number of layers you are wearing.
Safe sleep product #3: Swaddles (for newborns until rolling is attempted)
For newborns, a swaddle can be a truly effective product for helping a newborn get longer stretches of sleep. Used properly, they can be a comforting tool that helps babies feel comfortable.
Why?
Swaddling involves snugly (but not tightly) wrapping a baby, typically with their arms contained, to mimic the coziness of the womb.
How?
Always ensure the swaddle is snug but not overly tight, allowing for healthy hip development and comfortable breathing. Remember, it is crucial to stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows any signs of attempting to roll over. A swaddled baby who rolls over often cannot return to their back, and they might suffocate. (Rolling over can happen around 3 months, but it can happen earlier.) Find detailed instructions about how to swaddle here.
Safe sleep product #4: Pacifiers
Pacifiers are a simple item that can help soothe your baby and reduce the risk of SIDS.
Why?
Studies have shown an association between pacifier use at naptime and bedtime with a decreased risk of SIDS. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but it's believed that pacifier use might help maintain an open airway or make it easier for a baby to rouse from sleep if their breathing is compromised.
How?
Offer a pacifier when you put your baby down for sleep, but don't force it. If your baby rejects it, that's okay. If you're breastfeeding, it's recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established (usually around 3-4 weeks) before introducing a pacifier. Remember not to attach the pacifier to a string or clip in the crib, as doing so poses a strangulation hazard.
Safe sleep product #5: Portable play yards/travel cribs
Portable play yards, often called travel cribs or pack-and-plays, are excellent on-the-go sleep spaces.
Why?
They provide a sturdy, firm, and flat sleep surface that meets strict CPSC safety standards and are approved for overnight sleep.
How?
Portable play yards are incredibly versatile, easy to set up and take down, and ensure consistency in your baby's safe sleep environment. They can be used when you're visiting grandparents, staying at a hotel, or simply keeping your baby next to your bed as you room-share. Always ensure the model you choose is certified for sleep and follow all assembly instructions carefully.
Safe sleep products can be simple
These five products can support your baby as you build a sleep environment that follows the ABCS of safe sleep (Alone, Back, Crib, Smoke-free). When you learn safe sleep guidelines instead of listening to marketing claims, you help reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS. That makes you a powerful player in protecting your baby.
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!
