The Ultimate Guide to a Safer Sleep Environment

We’re sharing the ultimate guide to a safer sleep environment so that you are equipped and empowered with the information you need to help make the best choices for your child.
1. Always place your bub on his/her back to sleep.
It is recommended that bubs be placed on their backs for every sleep, including nap times. It’s important to follow the ABC’s of safe sleep: placing bub Alone, on their Back, in their Cot (or other safe sleeping place). If your child falls asleep in a swing, car seat, pram, etc. they should be moved to a firm sleep surface as soon as possible. Remember, every sleep counts.
2. Place your bub to sleep on a firm surface.
All cots, bassinets, portable cots and/or play yards should meet current safety standards. Check to make sure that there are no product recalls, and that there are no broken or missing pieces. Drop rail cots should not be used. Use a firm mattress that is compatible with the product you are using, and cover it in a tight-fitting fitted sheet.
3. Keep loose objects out of the crib.
Loose objects such as stuffed animals, toys, loose bedding, blankets, pillows and bumper pads can all increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, overheating or strangulation. Though stuffed toys and soft blankets may be cute to look at, just remember: Bare is Best!
4. Share your room, but not your bed.
Room sharing (keeping your bub’s sleep area separate from your sleep area in the same room) is recommended as a way to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death. It is recommended to share a bedroom preferably until Bub turns 1, but at least for the first six months. Bubs should not be placed on adult mattresses to sleep. If you bring your bub into your bed to feed them, make sure they’re put back into their separate sleeping area when you are finished.
5. Don’t let your bub get too hot.
Keep the room temperature where your bub sleeps at a comfortable level. Don’t overdress your bub. A good rule of thumb to follow is to put on one extra layer of clothing than an adult would wear to be comfortable. Do not cover your bub’s head. Use a sleep sack or one-piece sleeper if you’re worried your bub is too cold.
6. Keep your bub away from smokers and places where people smoke.
While this tip may seem obvious, it’s an important reminder, nonetheless. If you do smoke, try to quit. Until you can, keep your car and home smoke-free. Don’t smoke anywhere near your child, even if you are outside, or expose your child to people or places where there will be smoking.
7. Breastfeed, if possible.
While breastfeeding might not be an option for everyone, it has been proven to help reduce the risk of SIDS. This has been shown in bubs who are breastfed or bottle fed with breast milk for the first six months of life. Breastfeeding also has many other health benefits for bubs and mothers.
8. Tummy time is important!
Giving your bub tummy time is a great way to socialize with your newborn and encourage lots of eye contact. It also helps strengthen neck muscles and avoid flat spots on the back of the head. Make sure you always stay next to your bub and make sure they are awake.
9. Use a Smart Bub Monitor
While nothing replaces safe sleep practices, many parents find added reassurance in using smart bub monitoring technology. Owlet Monitor Duo 2 combines Owlet Smart Sock® 3 and Owlet Cam® 2 to provide real-time insights into your bub’s sleep and wellness. Owlet Smart Sock 3 tracks your bub’s heart rate, oxygen level, and sleep trends and sends alerts if anything falls outside of the preset ranges, so you’ll be notified if your bub needs you.
Owlet Cam 2, streams HD video and audio to your phone, allowing you to check in on your bub from anywhere. While no device replaces safe sleep habits, tools like Owlet Monitor Duo 2 can offer added peace of mind and help you feel more connected and confident as a parent.
We hope these tips have helped! If you ever have any questions or concerns, please consult with your pediatrician.
The content provided on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have and to learn more about your child's specific needs.
Owlet® Monitor Duo and Owlet Smart Sock® are not medical devices. Owlet Smart Sock is a smart baby monitor designed and intended to continuously learn from the data it collects to help you understand your baby’s sleep patterns. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or other condition, including but not limited to, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and/or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Medical decisions should never be made using Monitor Duo and Owlet Smart Sock data. Monitor Duo and Owlet Smart Sock should not substitute for the care and oversight of an adult or consultation with medical professionals.