Safe Sleep Myths Every Parent Still Hears — What Research Actually Says

Even in 2025, sleep myths continue to circulate — especially online. Here are the most common misconceptions and the evidence-based truth.

❌ Myth 1: “My baby sleeps better on their tummy, so it must be okay.”

✔️ The truth: Tummy sleeping significantly increases SIDS risk for babies under 12 months.
Once your baby can independently roll both ways, tummy sleeping during sleep is safe — but you should continue placing them on their back at sleep onset.

❌ Myth 2: “Inclined sleepers and loungers are fine if supervised.”

✔️ The truth: New research shows babies can slump forward even while “supervised,” leading to airway compromise.
Inclined products (pods, nests, loungers, hammocks) are never safe for sleep.

❌ Myth 3: “A little blanket is fine if they’re cold.”

✔️ The truth: Loose blankets increase risk of suffocation and overheating.
Use:

• Wearable sleep sacks

• Layered clothing

• Room temperature control

Blankets are best saved for after 12 months.

❌ Myth 4: “Crib bumpers and pillows help babies sleep longer.”

✔️ The truth: Research consistently shows soft items in the sleep space increase risk and offer no sleep benefits.

❌ Myth 5: “Pacifiers are bad for teeth or breastfeeding.”

✔️ The truth: Updated 2025 data shows pacifiers do not harm breastfeeding when introduced after breastfeeding is established, and early orthodontic effects are temporary.
Pacifiers also reduce SIDS risk.

❌ Myth 6: “White noise is unsafe or addictive.”

✔️ The truth: White noise is safe when:

• Placed 1–2 metres from baby

• Under 50–55 dB
  It supports sleep by masking environmental noise — not by “addiction.”

❌ Myth 7: “If a baby can roll, sleep position no longer matters.”

✔️ The truth: It still matters how you place them.
Continue placing baby on their back until 12 months, even if they roll on their own during sleep.