Safe Sleep 101: What Every New Parent Should Know (Without Losing Your Mind)
Bringing home your newborn is magical… and a little like being handed a very tiny boss who never clocks out. Suddenly, everyone you’ve ever met (plus strangers in the grocery store) has an opinion on how your baby should sleep. Some swear by ancient family traditions, others tell you to “do what feels right,” and then there’s the internet—home to a hundred contradicting articles.
Here’s the truth: when it comes to safe sleep, there are rules worth following, and they actually make things simpler. At Harmony Baby Concierge, our night nurses, newborn care specialists, and postpartum doulas live and breathe this stuff—often at 3 AM—so you can rest easy knowing your baby’s sleeping safely.
The ABCs of Safe Sleep (Yes, It’s as Easy as the Song)
The American Academy of Pediatrics made it simple with the ABCs:
Alone – Your baby sleeps in their own crib, bassinet, or play yard. No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or “just this one little cute decorative pillow.”
Back – Always put your baby to sleep on their back. Even for naps. Even when Grandma says “we never did that and you turned out fine.”
Crib – Firm, flat surface, tight sheet. Think “yoga mat” firmness, not “cloud-like pillow-top mattress.”
Follow these and you’ve already checked off the most important safety boxes.
Room Sharing: The Baby’s VIP Suite is in Your Room
Your baby should sleep in your room (but not in your bed) for the first six months. That means they’re close enough for you to respond quickly, but far enough away that they don’t karate-chop you in their sleep.
Our night nannies and newborn care specialists are pros at setting up the perfect sleep space so you can roll over, check they’re okay, and go back to sleep without having to navigate a midnight baby obstacle course.
The Great Temperature Debate
Babies run hot. Keep their room between 68–72°F and dress them in a sleep sack or wearable blanket—no loose blankets, no matter how cute. If you’re unsure, our doulas can teach you safe swaddling that looks Pinterest-worthy and meets safety standards.
Why Call in the Pros?
You could memorize every safe sleep rule… or you could have a night nanny, newborn care specialist, or doula who already knows them, loves them, and will happily enforce them while you get the first decent stretch of sleep you’ve had in weeks.
We can:
Walk you through all the safe sleep must-knows (without judgment)
Help your baby ease into a healthy sleep routine from day one
Handle those middle-of-the-night feedings so you can dream again
Keep watch so you can actually rest, not “rest while constantly checking the baby monitor”
Myths We’re Busting for Good
Myth: “They sleep better on their tummy.”
Truth: Yes… and they’d also sleep well in a moving car without a seatbelt. Doesn’t mean it’s safe. Back to sleep, every time.
Myth: “They’ll be cold without a blanket.”
Truth: A sleep sack keeps them warm and can’t end up over their face. Win-win.
Myth: “We didn’t follow these rules and I survived.”
Truth: So did people who never wore seatbelts in the ‘80s. We’ve learned a few things since then.
The Bottom Line
Safe sleep isn’t scary—it’s your ticket to peace of mind. And when you’ve got a night nanny, newborn care specialist, or doula in your corner, you can finally exhale knowing someone’s on baby watch while you catch some actual Z’s.
Want sleep that doesn’t involve constant Google searches? Contact Harmony Baby Concierge—we’ve got the safe sleep know-how, the caffeine stamina, and the swaddling skills to get you through those early weeks like a pro.
