Create a safer sleep space for your newborn
Care and guidance for your baby
Every caregiver should use the same safe sleep practices for naps and nighttime. Gentle Touch Pediatrics can discuss sleep and feeding concerns at your baby’s checkups.
Use the same basics for every sleep
- Place your baby on their back for sleep.
- Use a firm, flat, level sleep surface in a safety-approved crib, bassinet or play yard.
- Keep the space empty except for a fitted sheet. Leave out pillows, loose blankets, toys, bumpers and positioners.
- Use your baby’s own sleep space. Do not use an adult bed, couch or armchair as a sleep space.
The NIH Safe to Sleep guidance explains the recommendations and how to reduce sleep-related risks.
Feeding and tired caregivers
Plan where your baby will sleep before a feeding begins. Couches and armchairs are especially dangerous if an adult falls asleep while holding a baby. After feeding or comforting, return the baby to their separate sleep space.
Ask your pediatrician how to balance feeding and sleep based on your baby’s age, growth and health. Do not stretch feeding intervals without discussing your baby’s needs.
Tummy time is for awake, supervised play
Tummy time helps babies practice movement while they are awake and an adult is watching. It is different from sleeping on the stomach. Discuss tummy time and early development with your pediatrician.
Contact the pediatrician if your baby is unusually hard to wake or is not waking to feed. Sleep advice should not delay assessment of a baby who seems ill.
Questions from parents
Should a newborn sleep on the side?
Place your baby on their back for sleep. Side and stomach sleeping are not recommended starting positions for a newborn.
Can I add a pillow or positioner?
No. Keep pillows, positioners, loose bedding and other objects out of the sleep space. Use only a fitted sheet on the appropriate mattress.
Is a car seat a regular sleep space?
No. Sitting devices are not a substitute for a regular safe sleep space. Follow safe transport guidance and move the baby to the appropriate sleep space after travel.
When can I do tummy time?
Tummy time is for periods when your baby is awake and an adult is supervising. Ask your pediatrician how to begin and adapt it for your baby.
What if my baby is too sleepy to feed?
Contact the pediatrician promptly. Unusual difficulty waking or poor feeding needs medical attention rather than a routine sleep adjustment.
More newborn guidance
Your pediatrician in Canarsie
Meet Dr. Miole Pierre Pigeot, MD, the practice pediatrician. Gentle Touch Pediatrics is at 9708 Seaview Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11236. Call 347-702-5161 to discuss scheduling and office hours.
Ask the office to confirm your baby’s exact insurance plan, appointment availability and any records needed.
Medical information and sources
Updated September 12, 2026. General information supports a conversation with your pediatrician and does not replace assessment of your baby. NIH: Safe to Sleep.