Putting Your Baby to Bed

Newborns sleep about 16 hours a day, often in 3- to 4-hour periods.

Always put your baby to sleep on his back. This will reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Use a firm mattress in the baby's crib. Soft surfaces like pillows or comforters could smother a baby.

For more information, watch the March of Dimes video or visit our interactive program Understanding Your Newborn.

For safety tips, read, Cribs and Bassinets and Cradles from Consumer Reports.

October 2008