Safe Sleep: How to Create the Ideal Sleep Environment for Your Baby
What actually counts as a safe sleep environment for newborns? We summarize the recommendations for you simply and clearly.
Written by Wetterbaby Editorial Team on May 28, 2025
Restful sleep isn't just important for babies; in the first months, it's vital. Many parents are still unsure how to set up the sleep space safely. The German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) provides clear, scientifically based recommendations, summarized here.
Why the Sleep Environment Matters
In the first months of life, the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is highest. Studies show that a good sleep environment lowers this risk significantly. The point isn't to cause worry, but to apply a handful of measures with proven effect.
The Seven Key Recommendations
1. On the back
Always place your baby on their back to sleep. Side and stomach positions are proven to carry a higher SIDS risk.
2. In the parents' room, but in their own bed
Your baby should sleep in the same room as you, but not in the parents' bed. A separate crib or a bedside sleeper combines closeness with a safe sleep space of their own.
3. A firm, breathable mattress
A firm, well-fitting mattress without pillows, bumpers, or sheepskins. Soft surfaces raise the risk of overheating and rebreathing.
4. Sleep sack instead of a blanket
A blanket can slip over the face; a well-fitting sleep sack (called a sleeping bag in the UK and Australia) can't. What matters is the right size, so the neck opening doesn't pass over the head, and a TOG value that suits the room temperature. Sleep sacks sold in the US often carry no TOG rating; as a rough guide, a light muslin or cotton sleep sack is about 0.5 TOG and a warm quilted winter one 2.5 TOG.
Swaddling is a common way to settle a newborn who startles easily, and it works with these recommendations as long as your baby is always laid down on their back. Stop swaddling as soon as they show any sign of rolling, because a swaddled baby who ends up on their stomach can't push back over. A sleep sack is the natural next step from there.
5. A smoke-free environment, in every room
Smoking is the single biggest risk factor for SIDS, already during pregnancy. Make sure your baby grows up consistently smoke-free.
6. No overheating
The room temperature should ideally be 16 to 18 °C (61 to 64 °F). What your baby wears at night follows from that. Avoid hats, hot water bottles, and clothing that's too thick during sleep.
7. Breastfeeding protects
Breastfeeding has a demonstrated protective effect against SIDS. Where possible, it's recommended for this reason too. The safe sleep environment applies during nighttime feedings as well: settle your baby back into their own bed afterwards.
How the Weather Plays In
Room temperature and layering both depend on the weather. The Wetterbaby app gives you nighttime recommendations for room temperature and for the right combination of bodysuit (onesie) and sleep sack.
Source:
BZgA, Sleep recommendations for babies: The right sleep environment for infants
