Putting your baby to sleep on their back is the most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS. I remember how unsure I felt in the beginning. Some people around me said babies sleep better on their stomachs, but the pediatrician was clear back to sleep, every time. It’s not always easy, especially when your baby seems fussy or wakes up often, but this one habit makes a big difference. Lying on their back keeps their airway more open and lowers the chance of something going wrong during sleep. Whether it’s nap time or nighttime, placing your baby on their back should always be the first step. Once they’re old enough to roll both ways on their own, you don’t need to keep repositioning them, but the safest way to start sleep is always on the back. It gave me peace of mind knowing I was doing one of the most protective things for my baby. 

Your baby needs to sleep on a firm, flat mattress. At first, it felt strange to me. It didn’t look cozy. It didn’t feel soft. But that’s the point. Soft surfaces increase the risk of suffocation. A firm mattress keeps your baby’s body supported and their airway clear. Skip the pillows, stuffed animals, and crib bumpers. They may look cute, but they aren’t safe for sleep. The crib should look plain and empty. That’s what makes it safe. Once I removed everything extra and kept only the fitted sheet, I felt more confident putting my baby down. Simple is safer. 

Sharing a room with your baby is good. Sharing a bed is not safe. I know how tempting it is, especially during night feeds or when you’re both exhausted. I’ve been there. But even with the best intentions, bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation, overheating, and accidental injury. Your baby should sleep in their own crib or bassinet, close to your bed but on a separate surface. That way, you stay nearby without taking the risk. Once I set up a small bassinet right next to me, nights felt easier. I could see him, reach him, but still keep him safe. 

Blankets felt like the obvious choice at first. They looked soft and cozy. But once I learned how risky they are during sleep, I stopped using them. I didn’t want to wake up wondering if the blanket had shifted or covered his face. Switching to a sleep sack made everything easier. It kept him warm without me having to worry. No loose fabric, nothing to adjust in the middle of the night. And over time, it became part of our routine. Zipping it up was like a little signal that sleep was coming. He felt secure, and I felt more relaxed knowing he was safe.

Keeping the room at the right temperature made a big difference for us. Too much heat raises the risk of SIDS. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius (68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit). To check if your baby is too hot, feel their neck, chest, or back. If their skin feels sweaty, damp, or very warm, they might be overheating. Look for signs like flushed cheeks, rapid breathing, or restlessness. Sometimes a hot baby will have trouble settling or may cry more. 

If you notice these signs, take action right away. Remove any extra clothing layers or swap thick sleepwear for something lighter. Avoid heavy blankets or thick sleep sacks. Avoid overdressing your baby, especially their head and hands, since babies lose heat through these areas. A good rule is to dress your baby in one more layer than what you’re comfortable wearing. 

Keeping your baby comfortably cool reduces their risk of overheating and helps them sleep more peacefully. I found that checking their skin often and adjusting layers as needed gave me peace of mind during the night. It’s one of those small things that made a big difference for us. 

Avoid smoking anywhere near your baby. Even if you don’t smoke inside the house, secondhand smoke on your clothes or in the air still affects their health. I learned that smoke exposure makes it harder for babies to breathe and raises the risk of SIDS. It can irritate their lungs and cause more coughing or infections. If you or anyone else in the house smokes, try to do it far away from the baby, ideally outside. Wash your hands and change clothes before holding your little one. Keeping your baby’s environment smoke-free is one of the simplest but most important steps you can take to protect their sleep and health. 

A consistent bedtime routine helped us more than I expected. It gave our evenings a rhythm, something to hold onto when everything else felt messy. Babies feel more secure when they know what’s coming next, and honestly, so do moms. Our routine wasn’t perfect. Some nights it was rushed, other nights it fell apart  but it was ours. A quick bath, soft pajamas, a quiet feed, and a few minutes of holding him close. It didn’t need to be long. It just needed to feel safe. 

Don’t stress if your routine looks different from others or if it changes day to day. It’s normal to feel anxious, especially the first time. Your baby will pick up on your calm, so even small, simple steps matter. The goal isn’t perfection  it’s comfort and connection. Trust yourself. You’re learning as you go, and that’s okay. Your love and presence are the best things your baby needs to feel safe and ready for sleep. You’re doing great, even on the tough nights. 

Baby monitors can give you peace of mind, but they can also feed your anxiety if you’re checking them every two minutes. I used to stare at the screen, waiting for any small movement. I couldn’t sleep even when my baby was sleeping. 

Eventually, I realized it wasn’t about the monitor. It was about the mental load I was carrying. What helped wasn’t turning off the screen  it was learning how to calm my nervous system in those quiet moments. I started using a simple nightly spiral check-in worksheet  just a quiet space to process the spiral of thoughts before bed. That small practice reminded me I was safe too.

If your baby is sleeping safely and you’ve done your part, it’s okay to rest. Let the monitor support you, not control you. You’re allowed to close your eyes. Breathe. You’re doing more than enough.

→ I still return to this calming nightly check-in on the hardest days  it brings me back to myself.

You know your baby better than anyone else. Better than the books, the blogs, or even the well-meaning advice from others. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to speak up or ask questions. I’ve had moments where everything looked “normal” on paper, but inside, I felt something was off. And I was right. 

Your gut matters. It’s not weakness to call the doctor. It’s care. You’re not overthinking you’re paying attention. Don’t let anyone make you doubt that quiet voice in you. You were made for this. Trust it.