Baby Sleep Environment: Safety, Comfort and Noise
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General information. This page does not claim clinical review. Editorial standards. Updated 29 September 2026.
Start with safer sleep
Place babies under one on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface designed for infants. Use a fitted sheet and keep loose bedding, pillows and soft toys out. Share your room, with a separate sleep space, for at least the first six months. The AAP recommends avoiding bed sharing.
Temperature and clothing
Avoid overheating and head covering indoors. Check for sweating or a hot chest and adjust clothing. AAP guidance generally suggests no more than one extra layer compared with what an adult would wear. No room temperature guarantees longer or safer sleep on its own.
Light and routines
Keep nighttime care calm and lights low. A predictable, gentle bedtime routine can help. Blackout curtains are optional; they are not a proven cure for most waking. Keep blind cords out of reach.
White noise is optional
Sound machines can be too loud. If used, choose low volume, keep the device well away from the baby's head and limit exposure time. BabyBloom does not recommend 50–65 dB or all-night sound as a universal target.
When sleep remains difficult
Check feeding needs and comfort, and seek clinical advice about persistent concerns. Do not substitute pillows, wedges, inclined sleepers or car seats for a safe sleep surface. Move a baby who falls asleep in sitting equipment to an appropriate flat surface as soon as possible.
Read the safe-sleep guide · Record sleep and questions for your clinician