02/23/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17qTkFdtAx/
Safe sleep is easy to talk about during the day, but it feels much harder in the middle of the night.
Exhaustion is one of the biggest challenges for new parents, and it can lead to unsafe choices like bed-sharing feel like a tempting solution for rest. But having a “Plan B”—like a partner who can stay awake while you feed or a rule to move the baby to the crib the moment you feel drowsy—can keep those 3 a.m. slips from becoming dangerous.
Here are some ways that can help you stick to safe sleep best practices:
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱-O𝗳𝗳: If you’re too tired to stay awake for a feeding, ask a partner to sit with you to ensure the baby is returned to the crib safely.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗯 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁" 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲: If you feel yourself drifting off, place the baby in their crib—even if they are still awake. It is always safer than a couch or chair.
𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀: Couches and armchairs are the most dangerous places to fall asleep with a baby because they can have their airways blocked by the cushions. If you feel yourself nodding off, the safest move is to put the baby in their crib.
By planning for your own fatigue, you’re taking a smart step toward keeping your baby safe.
