Create a safe sleep space in a baby's crib, bassinet

Creating a safe sleep space is a necessary part of creating a sleep routine. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 3,500 infants in the U.S. die each year from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation or strangulation.

To help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, the AAP released new recommendations for babies up to one year of age that promote a safe sleep environment. Check out a few of the AAP recommendations below and visit aap.org for the full list of guidelines.

• Babies should sleep alone in their own crib, play yard or bassinet on a firm, flat mattress with a taut sheet. Their sleep surface should be clutter-free with no blankets, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals or other objects.

• Place your baby on their back for every sleep. If you baby is comfortable rolling both back to tummy and tummy to back, you do not have to return your baby to their back if they roll over on their own.

• The baby's bassinet, play yard or crib should be placed in your room for the first six to 12 months, as room-sharing decreases the risk of SIDS and makes it easier to feed, comfort and watch the baby.

• Babies should be brought into your bed only to feed or comfort. Return your baby to his or her own sleep space when you are ready to fall asleep.

• Never place your baby on a couch, sofa or armchair to sleep.

• Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of SIDS.

• Avoid exposing your baby to smoke during pregnancy and after birth.

• Make sure your baby does not overheat during sleep time and do not swaddle your baby if he or she shows signs of rolling over.