A Pediatric Sleep Consultant Shares: How to Balance Safety, Sleep, and Sanity

Emily Stone
Oct 26, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Oct 26, 2025

safe sleep position for newborn baby sleeping on back

By Michelle Caris

Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care Educator | sleepwellwithmichelle.com

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to revisit what safe sleep really means, and how to make it work for your family.

As a pediatric sleep consultant and mom, I know how confusing the advice can be. You want to keep your baby safe, but you also need everyone to actually rest. The truth is, safe sleep and good sleep can go hand in hand, and when they do, the benefits reach far beyond just fewer yawns.

Why Sleep Matters So Much

Sleep isn’t just about “getting through the night.” It’s how both babies and parents regulate their nervous systems.

For babies, restorative sleep supports:

Brain development (especially memory and emotional regulation)
Physical growth and immune function
Stress recovery, helping them handle daily stimulation and change

For parents, better sleep supports:

Emotional stability and patience
Lower stress hormones (hello, calmer nervous system)
Stronger attachment, because you can show up as your calmest, most present self

When sleep is off (for baby or parent), the whole household feels it. That’s why creating a safe, supportive sleep setup matters so deeply.

The AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following for safe infant sleep:

Back to sleep, every time. Babies should always sleep on their backs, for naps and nighttime.
Firm, flat surface. A crib, bassinet, or play yard that meets safety standards, with just a fitted sheet.
No loose items. Keep blankets, pillows, bumpers, and stuffed animals out of the sleep space.
Room-share (not bed-share). Baby should sleep in your room, but in their own space, for at least 6 months.
Avoid overheating. Dress your baby in one layer more than you’d wear and skip heavy blankets.

These steps dramatically reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents — and give you peace of mind.

What About Co-Sleeping?

Let’s be real, many families end up co-sleeping at some point. Whether it’s intentional or accidental at 3 a.m., it’s important to know how to make it as safe as possible.

If you choose (or find yourself) bedsharing, here are some safer sleep practices to keep in mind:

Keep pillows, blankets, and bedding away from baby.
Ensure your mattress is firm and flat.
Always place baby on their back to sleep.
Never co-sleep on a couch or armchair.
Avoid bedsharing if you’ve used alcohol, medications, or are extremely overtired.
Keep baby lightly dressed to avoid overheating.

Every family’s setup looks a little different, and there’s room for both safety and connection.

How I Can Help

Safe sleep is the foundation. But what often keeps parents up at night are the real-world challenges:

Early morning wakings (like 4:45 a.m. parties)
Short, unpredictable naps
Constant contact naps or needing to be held all night
Frequent night wakings or feeding-to-sleep patterns
Over-tired babies who can’t settle
Transitioning from co-sleeping to crib

This is where I come in. I help families create realistic, gentle, and evidence-informed sleep plans that honor attachment and development, while helping everyone get the rest they need.

We’ll look at your baby’s sleep environment, schedule, and temperament to find the root of what’s actually off. Then we’ll make small changes that protect safety and support your family’s nervous systems, so you can all breathe easier, rest soundly, and wake up calmer.