I think as any new mom, we become so concerned about SIDS that we are constantly trying to make sure that we do everything right. Being in the baby business, I have been able to really immerse myself in to what the experts actually say is the best and safest for your baby and what they think is good for your baby.

From day one, the experts recommend that you place your baby on their back for sleep. Many people use the “positioners” in their crib that hold the baby by two wedges in a back position all night. I personally used these with all three of my children but I do want to mention that if you have a baby that starts to squirm, they can still move in the wedge positioner. The reason that I mention this is that when my little one squirmed, the she would work her way down in the wedges and when I would go pick her up, her face was up against one of the wedges. That gave me a real scare. If you are using the wedges, you definitely want to make sure that they are tight against the sides of your baby to hold them in place. Normally, the babies arms would stop the progression of sliding down in between the wedges, but keep in mind if you are swaddling that their arms are wrapped tight and you don’t have that natural stopping point.

In all my years experience, I am the biggest believer that the mattress is the most important thing that any parent should spend researching. You must, absolutely must have a firm, extremely firm mattress for your baby. Crib mattresses and car seats are the two most important safety items to consider for your baby. If you can pick up a crib mattress and bend it in half, your mattress is way too soft. Crib mattress should be heavy and should absolutely not even budge a bit when you try to bend it. If you want more information on how to purchase the right crib mattress, check out my crib mattress blog.

Here are the top safety facts according to the First Candle organization, you can check out their website at www.firstcandle.org.

1. Always place babies on their BACK to sleep.
2. Do not fall asleep with a baby in an adult bed or sofa. Babies sleep safest in their own crib or bassinet placed near your bed for the first six months.
3. Do not smoke while you are pregnant and do not expose babies to second hand smoke after they are born.
4. For safest sleep, use a safety-approved crib or bassinet with a firm, tight fitting mattress.
5. Do not place babies to sleep on soft surfaces such as adult beds, sofas, waterbeds, blankets, quilts, sheepskins.
6. Do not use loose blankets in a baby’s crib. Keep babies warm and safe with a wearable blanket or other type sleeper.
7. Remove all soft blankets from the crib.
8. Don’t overheat babies by using too much clothing or keeping the room too warm.
9. Use a pacifier at nap and nighttime for the first year.
10. Educate everyone who cares for babies about these important tips.