Here is what the experts say:
To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in a bassinet, follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and CDC safe sleep recommendations.
1. Always place your baby on their back
For every sleep — naps and at night — position your baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress. This is the single most effective step to prevent SIDS CDC+1.
2. Use a safe bassinet setup
Choose a safety-approved bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and a tight-fitting sheet only www.omegapediatrics.com+1.
No pillows, bumpers, positioners, or loose blankets — these increase suffocation risk www.omegapediatrics.com+1.
Keep the bassinet flat (no incline inserts) www.omegapediatrics.com.
Ensure the mattress fits snugly to prevent gaps where a baby could become trapped.
3. Keep the sleep space bare
Remove all soft bedding, stuffed animals, and loose items. A bare bassinet reduces the risk of entrapment and suffocation University of Utah Health+1.
4. Room-share, not bed-share
Place the bassinet in your room for at least the first six months. This allows you to monitor your baby and is linked to lower SIDS risk University of Utah Health+1. Avoid co-sleeping on sofas, armchairs, or adult beds.
5. Keep the baby warm but not overheated
Dress in layers you can remove if the baby gets hot.
Signs of overheating: sweating, hot chest, or hot neck CDC+1.
Use a wearable blanket or sleep sack (unweighted) instead of loose blankets University of Utah Health+1.
6. Avoid risky products
Do not use weighted swaddles, weighted sleep sacks, or weighted blankets — they can restrict breathing and are unsafe for infants scienceinsights.org.
7. Additional protective measures
Breastfeed for at least six months (partial breastfeeding for at least two months also helps) University of Utah Health.
Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime (if breastfeeding is well-established) CDC+1.
Keep your baby’s sleep area well-ventilated and avoid overheating scienceinsights.org.
Bottom line: A safe bassinet environment means firm, flat mattress, back sleeping, no soft bedding, room-sharing, and avoiding overheating. Following these steps can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
