An OB-GYN’s Guide for New Parents

We spoke with board certified OBGYN Ivana Amajoh Anunobi MD, FACOG for her advice for new parents.

As a practicing OB-GYN and a mom, one of the most common questions I hear from new parents is: “What’s the safest way for my baby to sleep?”

It’s a question that reflects both love and responsibility—and one I’m always glad to answer.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and sleep-related suffocation are two of the most devastating risks facing infants under one year. Fortunately, evidence-based practices can dramatically reduce those risks. Whether you’re bringing a baby home for the first time or supporting families through birth and postpartum, understanding safe sleep practices is essential.

Here are five proven steps I recommend to every family:

1. Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
   This is the most effective way to reduce the risk of SIDS. Your baby should sleep on their back for all naps and night sleep—no exceptions.
2. Use a firm, flat sleep surface.
    Babies should sleep in a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards. Avoid couches, adult beds, or inclined sleepers. The mattress should be firm with a tightly fitted sheet.
3. Keep the crib free from hazards.
    That means no pillows, bumper pads, blankets, or stuffed animals. Instead, use a sleep sack or wearable blanket to keep your baby warm without the risk of loose bedding.
4. Room share, but don’t bed share.
    It’s safest for your baby to sleep in the same room as you, in their own crib or bassinet. Bed-sharing, even for naps, increases the risk of suffocation or entrapment.
5. Avoid overheating.
   Overheating has been linked to increased SIDS risk. Keep your baby’s room at a comfortable temperature (68–72°F) and dress them in breathable, lightweight layers. Fabrics like organic cotton help regulate body temperature naturally.

Why Sleep Sacks Are a Smart Choice

Sleep sacks, like those from Bird + Bear Kids, are thoughtfully designed to support all of these guidelines. GOTS-certified organic, breathable, and created in collaboration with pediatric sleep experts, they provide a safer, smarter alternative to traditional blankets—especially during the critical first year of life.

As a physician, I appreciate the commitment Bird + Bear Kids has made to health, safety, and accessibility. As a parent, I know how reassuring it is to have sleep solutions that are easy to use, ethically made, and trusted by professionals.

Safe sleep is more than a checklist—it’s a daily habit that grows with your baby. When you create a secure sleep environment, you’re laying the foundation for better nights, healthier development, and peace of mind for everyone.

Sleep safe. Sleep well.