Updated AAP Safe Sleep Recommendations—No Bed Sharing!

Good news! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has finally revised its outdated toddler sleep recommendations.

Namely, the new guidelines tackle issues such as bed-sharing, inclined cribs, and decor to help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other accidents during nap time.

For starters, co-sleeping received a big — “NO!” In fact, sharing a bed with a baby was considered life-threatening, especially for infants under six months. Hence, to prevent suffocation and SIDS, parents can share the room with their little ones, but not the bed. 

The AAP also urges parents to put their babies to sleep on their backs on a flat and firm surface that’s not inclined. Sleeping in seats, strollers, and infant carriers is also not recommended for those younger than four months.

Instead, the safest option is a quality crib mattress with no plushy toys, pillows, or bumpers of any kind. The guidelines also warn against using products like loungers, in-bed sleepers, travel sleepers, and the like.

Moreover, all sleeping surfaces should be manufactured according to existing safety standards. Parents should also respect the latest Safety Act that bans padded crib bumpers and inclined sleepers.

Sadly, a lot of unscrupulous companies use terror tactics to frighten parents into buying products that supposedly prevent SIDS. Yet, the AAP advises against using these and reminds parents that there’s no hard evidence that proves that any of these products actually work. 

Crib fixtures are also marked as dangerous. Hence, parents are urged to keep crib decor at a bare minimum.

Lastly, the AAP recommends breastfeeding infants until they’re six months old and practicing short, adult-supervised tummy time to lower the risk of accidents.