Safe Sleep Spaces

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a firm, flat sleep surface for your baby. A crib, bassinet, or pack and play that follows the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recommended. The mattress should be covered by a tightly fitted sheet with no other bedding or soft items in the sleep area. If your baby falls asleep in an unsafe sleep space, they should be moved to a crib, bassinet, or pack and play as soon as possible.

Check the Safety of Your Crib, Bassinet or Pack and Play

• Check CPSC's recall list to make sure that it has not been recalled. Note: When a product is recalled, it is illegal to sell it or give it away.
• Set it up and use it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Check it often to make sure all the hardware is secured tightly and that no parts are damaged, loose or missing.
• Use the correct mattress and check its fit regularly.
• Review the Infant Safe Sleep Products page to learn more about safety standards.

Unsafe Sleep Spaces and Products

Many products may seem safe to use with your baby during naps or sleep times. However, some of these products, such as bumper pads, positioners, docks, loungers, and inclined seats, can be dangerous for sleep.

Ask the following questions to determine if a product is safe for infant sleep.  If you answer yes to any of the questions, the product is not safe for infant sleep. You can also watch the video “How do you know if products are safe for sleep?” to learn more or review the Product Safety resource. 

• Does it have soft padded sides or a soft sleep surface? 
  Soft items such as bumper pads, crib liners, stuffed animals, or pillows can get in the way of baby’s breathing. 
• Does it cause baby to sleep on an incline?  
  When sleeping on an incline, baby’s head can slump down and their airway can be pinched, causing trouble with their breathing. Also, babies can more easily roll over when sleeping on an incline–even if they haven’t done it before. Rolling over in an inclined seat can put baby at risk of suffocation.  
• Does it have straps? 
   Straps can get caught around baby’s neck causing a strangulation hazard. 
• Is it weighted? 
  Items like a weighted sleep sack or weighted swaddle can be too heavy and could make it harder for baby to expand their chest and breathe properly.  
• Does the product information say that using the product makes it safe for baby to sleep on the stomach or side? 
  Babies are safest sleeping on their back. 

Other questions to consider: 

• Does the product information say that it prevents Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
  No product has been approved to make this claim.  
• Does it monitor a baby's vital signs? 
  Home heart rate and pulse oximetry (cardiorespiratory) monitors have not been proven to reduce the risk of SIDS or sleep‐related infant death. If home monitors are used, the safe sleep guidelines should still be followed.