Safe Sleep Products for Baby

Putting baby to sleep isn't as easy as it sounds. Even if all of the rocking and lullaby singing is successful, new parents often have questions about how to make sure their baby's sleep environment is safe. You can start by making sure your baby's crib meets modern safety standards. Old cribs with poorly spaced slats and potential gaps between the mattress and sides aren't safe.

If you think baby needs some extra warmth, consider swaddling blankets instead of heavier loose blankets, or a warmer sleeper for older babies who are beyond swaddling. Many experts today say you should skip the crib bumper as a safety measure, as well.

One surprising way to contribute to safe sleep may be a pacifier. Though you may want to wait to introduce a pacifier until breastfeeding is well established, there is some evidence that pacifiers can reduce SIDS risk.

Experts agree that the most important step in safe sleep is putting babies to sleep on their backs, but there are other simple safe sleep tips you can follow, as well. For cosleeping families, too, there are safe cosleeping guidelines.