Should Babies Sleep on Hard Surfaces?

The American Academy of Pediatrics says parents should keep the soft objects and loose bedding away from infants because they can inadvertently lead to suffocation. Furthermore, bedding has been associated with sudden infant death syndrome, the leading cause of death for infants 1 month to 1 year old.

Why do babies need to sleep on firm surface?

During sleeping periods, an infant needs a firm, flat, even surface to maximize his or her development. This is particularly important when the infant becomes more active in the crib. They need the firm surface to provide the resistance as they begin to push up, turn and eventually stand in the crib.

Do babies sleep better on flat surfaces?

In addition to avoiding inclined surfaces, the commission is reminding parents that babies can suffocate if they sleep with blankets, pillows, or other items. The safest way for a baby to sleep is flat on their back, in a bare crib, and on a flat, firm surface.