Safe Sleep

As a first time mom, there's a lot that I didn't know about babies (and a lot more that I still don't know).  One thing that I wish I had been more informed about was safe sleep.  Before Jackson was born, my OBGYN gave me a little brochure on the ABC's of safe sleep, and that was that.

The more I learn, the more surprised and disappointed I am that there isn't more emphasis on the important of safe sleep and more education on what exactly it entails.

Here are the most shocking things that I've learned (affiliate links included):

1.  Babies should only sleep on a flat, firm surface in a crib or a bassinet ONLY.  Something like a Rock N' Play SLEEPER is not considered safe for sleep.  I think this catches many people off guard since it is called a sleeper, yet isn't technically safe for sleep.  However, the Rock N' Play BASSINET is safe!

2. This goes along with #1, but babies shouldn't sleep in a swing.  You can place the baby in the swing to help get them to sleep, but you should transfer them to their crib or bassinet once they fall asleep.  The angle of the baby in the swing or other similar devices can lead to their chin touching their chest, reducing their oxygen intake.

3.  Car seats are meant for the car ONLY.  A baby shouldn't be in a carseat as part of a stroller travel system, at a restaurant, in a shopping cart, in your house, etc. - ONLY the car.  Outside of the car, the carseat isn't at the correct angle and therefore you run into the issue of decreased oxygen levels again.

4.  Pack N' Plays are safe for sleep IF used correctly.  The sleeper attachments are NOT safe for sleeping.  The bassinet portion is what you should use for sleep.  ONLY use the mattress that came with the Pack N' Play - it's ok that it's thin and firm, that's how it's supposed to be.  If you want a Pack N' Play, I strongly recommend the Simple Solutions Playard.  We use this and just removed the "changing pad" attachment completely because I honestly find it flimsy and useless.

5.  Bumpers are NOT safe on a crib (even if they are "breathable").  The issue is not the breathability of the fabric, but rather the baby getting trapped or strangled between the mattress and the bumper.  If you are concerned about your baby getting their legs stuck in the crib slats, you can try putting them in a sleep sack.