Safe Sleep FAQs

Back sleeping reduces SIDS risk by keeping the airway clear. Stomach and side sleeping increase the chance of rebreathing carbon dioxide, leading to suffocation risks.

Babies exposed to secondhand or thirdhand smoke (during pregnancy or after birth) have a higher risk of breathing problems and SIDS. Smoke exposure affects their ability to wake up and regulate breathing properly.

Breastfeeding reduces SIDS risk because it promotes lighter, more frequent sleep cycles. Breastfeeding mothers also tend to naturally sleep in a protective curled position, which keeps the baby safer.

If you can’t meet all of the Safe Sleep 7 guidelines, the safest option is to place your baby in a crib, bassinet, or bedside co-sleeper next to your bed.

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Once your baby can roll both ways independently (back-to-front and front-to-back), they can sleep in their preferred position. However, always place them on their back until they are 1 year old.

Your baby should be next to mom (not between two parents or near siblings/pets). Moms naturally sleep in a cuddle curl position, protecting the baby.

If your partner smokes, it's safest to have your baby sleep in a crib or bassinet instead of bedsharing. Even if they don’t smoke in the bedroom, smoke residue on clothes and skin (thirdhand smoke) can still pose risks.

Any medication that causes drowsiness or delayed reaction time makes bedsharing unsafe. This includes:

• Sleep aids (e.g., melatonin, Ambien, Benadryl)
• Strong painkillers (e.g., opioids)
• Certain antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications

Safe Sleep 7 is a set of research-backed guidelines designed to make bedsharing as safe as possible by reducing the risk of SIDS. It includes seven key rules related to breastfeeding, a smoke-free environment, sober parents, a safe sleep surface, back sleeping, light covers, and safe sleeping positions.

Many sleep safety experts and researchers support Safe Sleep 7 as a lower-risk approach for parents who choose to bedshare. However, organizations like the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) still recommend room-sharing without bedsharing as the safest sleep option.

If your baby rolls onto their stomach on their own, you don’t need to flip them back. Just make sure their sleep space is safe and free of loose bedding.

The Safe Sleep 7 specifically applies to breastfeeding mothers because studies show that they wake more often and are more responsive to their babies at night. If you're bottle-feeding, bedsharing is not recommended due to a higher risk of SIDS.

A safe sleep surface must be:

• Firm and flat (no pillow-top or memory foam mattresses)
• Free of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and bumpers
• Not a couch, recliner, or armchair (these are extremely dangerous for sleep)

Yes. Safe Sleep 7 only works if all seven conditions are met. If you can't follow all of them, it’s best to use a crib or bassinet next to your bed.

Overheating has been linked to higher SIDS risk because it can suppress the baby’s ability to wake up if they are struggling to breathe.

Keep it simple:

✅ Onesie or sleep sack (instead of blankets)

✅ No hats or beanies indoors

‍✅ Room temperature around 20°C (68°F)

Yes! A bedside bassinet or co-sleeper is a great option if you want your baby close but can’t follow Safe Sleep 7 completely.

Safe Sleep 7 applies to the first year when SIDS risk is highest. Some parents transition their baby to a crib around 6-12 months, while others continue bedsharing safely.

No. Even a small amount of alcohol can reduce your ability to respond to your baby. Never bedshare if you’ve consumed alcohol, drugs, or sedating medication.

Yes, if it’s firm, flat, and free of hazards. Floor beds reduce the risk of baby falling off, but the environment should still meet all Safe Sleep 7 rules.

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No. Other children should never bedshare with a baby, as they don’t have the same awareness or protective instincts as a parent.

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