Do Babies Really Need to Nap in Their Cribs?

Safe Sleep

• Your baby will spend hundreds of hours sleeping in her first year of life, so it's vital that you create a safe place for her slumber. According to HealthyChildren.org, you should always put your baby to sleep on her back to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Don't put heavy blankets, soft bedding or stuffed animals in your baby's sleep spot because they also raise her risk of SIDS. Keep your baby's sleep environment comfortable by not letting it get too hot or too cold and dress your baby in light pajamas or clothes.

Cribs and Other Safe Places

• Cribs are one of your safest options when it comes to putting your baby down for a nap. Look for a crib that has slats that are 2 3/8 inches or less apart and that has a properly fitted, firm crib mattress. When you put your baby to sleep on his back in a crib, you're taking the necessary steps to keep him as safe as possible while he's sleeping. You should, however, check manufacturer recalls before using any crib. HealthyChildren.org cautions that you never use a crib with drop-side rails because children can get entangled or caught in them, which can lead to serious injury or even death. A bassinet or cradle can be safe, as well, as long as it doesn't have any soft bedding or other items in it. Check for recall information before using one to ensure it hasn't been recalled.

Unsafe Places to Nap

• If your child falls asleep in her car seat or in the stroller, don't panic and immediately wake her up. Short amounts of sleep in such devices usually aren't cause for concern. Long periods of sleep in them, however, can be dangerous. According to a 2009 report by CNN, when your child sleeps in her car seat outside of the car, the angle is skewed and can reduce her oxygen level. The same problem can occur if your baby sleeps in her stroller, according to the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes also cautions that you never let your baby fall asleep on a waterbed, in a bed with soft bedding and pillows, or in a baby sling or carrier. Don't let her sleep on the couch or on a chair either because she could roll over and fall off.

Tips

• Whenever possible, put your baby down for his naps in his crib. Put him down in his crib at bedtime, too. If your baby does fall asleep in the car, remove him from his car seat when you get home and transfer him to his crib. Do the same if he falls asleep in the stroller. The same goes for baby carriers or slings. If your baby slips off to sleep in one of them, take him out and put him in his crib. Refrain from putting your baby to sleep on your bed, on the couch or on other furniture, as well. Even if you're lying with your baby, he's still at a higher risk for SIDS and falls.