The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies share a room with their parents for the first 6 to 12 months. This means your baby is in your room in their own safe sleeping space, like a crib, play yard, bedside sleeper, or bassinet, not in your bed. This can be comforting for both parent and baby.

Try these easy tips to help your baby fall asleep safely in their crib - and stay asleep.

1. Sleepwear - the right choice
To keep your baby warm on chilly nights, try a sleeper or warm pajamas. Babies really don’t need blankets to stay warm. If you are comfortable in your home, your baby probably is too. Dressing your baby too warmly can make them overheat and is unsafe. 

2. Transfer baby to safe space
Sometimes your baby may fall asleep in their car seat or stroller, or in your arms. That’s okay! Be sure to put them down in their crib every time. Move them slowly, laying them down on their back. Move your hands away gently.

3. Stay close for a few moments

Stay nearby for a few minutes to make sure your baby stays settled. If they startle or move around, try placing a hand on their tummy or saying “shhh” to help soothe them back to sleep.

4. Keep baby sleepy during the night
When baby wakes up in the middle of the night, help them stay sleepy. Keep the lights low, speak in a quiet voice, and stay close to their crib while you feed or change them.  

5. Sleeping through the night
Be patient. When experts talk about young babies “sleeping through the night,” they are usually talking about any 6-hour stretch. That means that if your baby falls asleep at 8 PM and wakes up at 2 AM, they have “slept through the night.” Keep your expectations realistic. It’s normal for babies to wake up often to be fed or changed.