When it comes to child sleep, the period when infants and young children rest, crucial for their physical and cognitive development. Also known as infant sleep, it’s not just about how long they nap—it’s about how safely they do it. Every night, thousands of parents wonder if their baby’s sleep setup is truly safe. The answer isn’t always obvious. Too many well-meaning families fill nurseries with soft blankets, plush toys, or inclined sleepers—things that experts warn can increase the risk of SIDS risk, the sudden, unexplained death of a healthy infant, often during sleep. Also known as sudden infant death syndrome, it’s the leading cause of death for babies between 1 month and 1 year old. But the good news? Most cases are preventable with simple, science-backed changes.
Experts agree: the safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, in a bare crib, in the same room as their parents—for at least the first year. That’s nursery safety, the practice of designing a baby’s sleeping space to eliminate hazards and reduce risks. Also known as baby sleep environment, it’s not about fancy decor or expensive gadgets. It’s about removing what’s dangerous: loose bedding, bumper pads, soft mattresses, and unsecured furniture. A firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet is all you need. And while it’s tempting to use a baby monitor to watch your little one from another room, the real safety win is being close enough to hear them breathe. Many parents also worry about whether their baby is getting enough sleep or if they should be sleeping in the nursery or the bedroom. Research shows room-sharing reduces SIDS risk by up to 50%. But there’s no one-size-fits-all. What matters is consistency, calm, and avoiding overstimulation before bedtime.
What you don’t put in the nursery matters just as much as what you do. That’s why guides on safe sleep, a set of practices designed to reduce the risk of infant death during sleep. Also known as infant sleep safety, it includes everything from how you swaddle to what kind of blanket you use are so important. Breathable fabrics, no loose items, and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature are small steps with big results. And if you’re wondering whether that old crib you inherited is safe—chances are, it’s not. New safety standards changed in 2011, and many older models don’t meet them. The same goes for sleep positioners, wedges, or those trendy bassinets that tilt. They’re not just unnecessary—they’re risky.
Here’s what you’ll find in the collection below: real, no-fluff advice on when babies should sleep in the nursery versus the bedroom, what items to remove from the crib right now, how to spot a breathable baby blanket, and the exact weeks when SIDS risk peaks. You’ll also learn why some baby carriers can help—or hurt—sleep quality, and how to set up a nursery that’s both safe and simple. No marketing hype. No expensive product pushes. Just what works, based on what pediatricians, safety boards, and real parents have learned the hard way.
Not sure when your child should move from a toddler bed to a twin bed? This article breaks down the key signs your toddler is ready, what to consider in terms of safety and comfort, and practical tips that make the transition smoother. You’ll get the real scoop from someone who’s been through it, plus expert-backed advice. Expect helpful strategies for a stress-free bedtime switch.