What kind of sleeping surface / mattress / crib should my child sleep on?

Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress, in a safety-approved crib or bassinet covered only by a fitted sheet. It’s natural to want to rest your baby on a pillow and cover them with a blanket, but soft surfaces can increase the risk of sleep-related death. Stick to a firm sleep surface to help reduce the risk of SUIDS (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) and suffocation, with nothing else in their sleeping area. Your child should also not spend the night unsupervised in a swing, reclined chair, or in their car seat.

It is not safe for your child to fall asleep with you on a couch or armchair. While bed sharing is not recommended, the American Academy of Pediatrics has acknowledged that parents often become exhausted while feeding their babies at night. If you are drowsy while feeding, the safest place to be with your baby is on a firm adult bed free of blankets and pillows versus on a recliner or armchair. If you and your baby fall asleep during a feeding session, move your baby back into their crib or bassinet as soon as you wake up (AAP Safe Infant Sleep Policy Statement 2016, section 4e).

 

This article has been reviewed by our team of experts.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about any health or medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment you should consult with your pediatrician or a licensed healthcare provider.