Bringing a new little one into this world is an amazing experience you’ll never forget. As your little one grows, one of the biggest jobs you have as a parent is keeping that new baby of yours safe and providing them with a safe sleep environment.

In an effort to reduce the risks of sleep-related infant deaths and incidents, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has established safe sleep guidelines that parents should follow to keep their baby safe when sleeping. These guidelines include:

• Following the ABCs of safe sleep: Placing baby Alone, on his/her Back, in his/her Crib (or other safe sleeping place).

• In following this advice, do not place any soft bedding including loose blankets or pillows, stuffed animals, or other soft objects in your baby’s sleeping area. This also includes crib bumper pads.

• Your baby should sleep on a firm mattress that does not conform to his/her head shape, and should not be placed to sleep on a regular bed, couch, or other soft surface that could contour to his/her body and create a risk of accidental suffocation. AAP recommends using a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet only.

• Consider room-sharing with your baby, but not bed-sharing. The AAP recommends doing this for at least the first 6 months and optimally, for the first year of life.

• Keep your baby at a comfortable temperature to avoid overheating. Dress him/her in appropriate clothing that does not cover the face or head. Consider using a safe wearable blanket, like a sleep sack.

• Avoid the use of wedges or positioners.

How will you ensure a safe sleep environment for your little one?