According to the american academy of pediatrics pillow like toys blankets quilts crib bumpers and other bedding increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and death by suffocation or strangulation although it may seem unlikely there is a chance that a doll or stuffed toy could cover your baby s face.
Safe toys for babies to sleep with.
Keep soft bedding such as blankets pillows bumper pads and soft toys out of their baby s sleep area and room share but not bed share with babies.
Besides keeping the crib clear of objects there are other things to keep in mind to provide a safe sleeping environment as your child grows.
Keeping the crib clear of blankets pillows and toys.
Soft toys are useful since they allow a toddler or baby to have a sense of companionship.
Don t let your baby sleep with any soft objects until he s at least 12 months old.
When she s six months or older if she wants to cuddle a soft toy while she sleeps it should be safe giving your older baby a security object such as a stuffed animal or doll may help her to sleep.
You should only ever choose baby safe stuffed animals for your baby s crib for this reason.
Model safe sleep practices in hospitals.
Even if a baby spits up during sleep babies anatomy external icon and gag reflex help prevent them from choking while sleeping on their backs.
Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times naps and at night.
This is especially the case for specially made baby sleep bear toys.
Ask caregivers about how they place the baby to sleep challenges to following recommendations and help them find solutions.