Baby Sleep: Safe Practices, Common Mistakes, and What Really Works
When it comes to baby sleep, the daily routine that supports an infant’s growth, brain development, and overall health. Also known as infant sleep, it’s not just about getting hours—it’s about creating a safe, predictable environment where your baby can rest without risk. Too many parents worry about sleep training before they’ve even nailed the basics: a clear, clutter-free crib, the right bedding, and knowing when to step back and let your baby learn to settle on their own.
SIDS prevention, a set of evidence-backed actions that reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome starts the moment you lay your baby down. It’s not about fancy monitors or white noise machines—it’s about placing your baby on their back, keeping soft objects out of the crib, and avoiding overheating. The highest risk weeks? Between 2 and 4 months. That’s when simple choices—like using a breathable baby blanket, a lightweight, porous fabric designed to let air pass through and reduce suffocation risk instead of thick quilts—make all the difference. And it’s not just blankets. Furniture placement, outlet covers, and even how you position the crib matter. A crib pushed against a wall with loose curtains nearby? That’s a hazard, not a cozy corner.
What you don’t put in the nursery is just as important as what you do. Overstimulating lights, dangling toys, or old cribs that don’t meet 2025 safety standards? They’re not just outdated—they’re dangerous. Parents often think they’re being thoughtful by adding extra pillows or bumper pads, but those items are linked to increased suffocation risk. Instead, focus on simplicity: a firm mattress, a fitted sheet, and maybe a wearable blanket. And if you’re using a baby monitor, make sure it’s secure and not streaming over unencrypted apps. Your peace of mind shouldn’t come at the cost of your baby’s safety.
You’ll find real, no-fluff advice here—what actually works, what to skip, and what experts are saying right now. Whether you’re setting up your first nursery, dealing with sleep regressions, or just trying to understand why your baby wakes every two hours, the posts below give you clear, practical answers—no guesswork, no marketing hype, just what you need to know.