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Months 1-6

Safe sleep is critical during this time - no exceptions! Babies should sleep in a separate, safe sleep area placed alongside the adult bed for at least the first six months. They should be placed on their back, on a firm mattress covered with only a sheet and everything else removed from the sleep area.

Supervised tummy time is important! It is critical, since babies spend so much time sleeping on their back, that you provide exercise time for them to strengthen their upper body muscles (neck, arms and chest). This should be done while they are awake and being watched. Start by placing your newborn across your lap for short periods of time, gradually working toward placing them on a quilt or play mat on the floor with toys in front of them. This is also a great way to spend quality time with your baby - on the floor together! Watch for signs that your baby is tiring and change their position/activity. If your baby falls asleep during tummy-time, immediately place them on their back in their crib for a nap.

Follow immunization schedules! The risk of leaving your baby unprotected is 1,000 times greater than any risk posed by leaving them unprotected.

What happens when my baby begins to roll over? Eventually your baby will want to determine his or her own sleep position and may begin rolling to their tummy during sleep. Experts say this is normal, and parents should not disrupt everyone’s much needed rest by continually flipping them back. If your baby is determined to sleep on his or her tummy, take extra care to ensure that there is nothing in the sleep area they can get their face next to and try and relax, knowing that you’ve done everything you can to protect them!