If you are a parent of a newborn, you know the routine: Your baby finally drifts off to sleep (at last!)—and just as you start to relax, the second-guessing begins. Is the sleep space safe? Could they roll into something? What if they fall? For many parents, concerns about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation or falls are just beneath the surface.

To help take some of the stress out of those nighttime check-ins, Pamela Phillips, MD, medical director for Cedars-Sinai Medical Group, shares a few simple, smart tips to help parents feel more confident about safe sleep—and even catch some extra ’z’s.

A study from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), found that while many parents are aware of safe sleep guidelines for infants, they may still follow unrecommended practices in hopes of improving sleep for themselves and their babies. But you should feel confident that using safe sleep practices and protecting your baby’s health can also promote restful sleep for the whole family.

“Many parents are understandably eager to help their children stay asleep at night, often turning to toys and sleep aids,” Phillips said. “But it’s important to remember that the cutest thing in the crib should be the baby.”

Here are a few of her top bedtime tips:

• Use only a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet.
• Do not use pillows, blankets, stuffed animals or crib bumpers—these increase the risk of suffocation.
• Remove mobiles as soon as your baby can push up on their hands or knees to avoid choking or strangulation.
• Once your baby can roll or sit up, do not use a bassinet for sleep. A playpen may be used for short, supervised games to prevent falls.
• To meet current safety standards, crib slats should be spaced no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. This prevents a baby’s head or limbs from becoming trapped, reducing the risk of injury.
• Do not use drop-side cribs. If a crib has a drop-down feature, place that side against the wall to help prevent it from giving way and causing a fall.

“Falls are the most common injuries related to cribs, yet they are among the easiest to prevent. Children are especially at risk when the mattress is positioned too high or is not lowered as they grow,” Phillips said.

Read: Tips for Safer Sleep for Babies

If you are unsure or concerned, it is always safer to have your child evaluated by a medical professional.

Phillips urges parents to seek medical attention immediately if your baby shows any of the following:

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly
  If your baby passes out, even for a moment, it is important to get them checked to make sure everything is OK.
• Vomiting, especially within the first 4-6 hours
  Throwing up after a fall can sometimes be a normal response to crying or stress, but it can also be a sign of a mild concussion or head injury. If your baby vomits more than once or seems unwell afterward, it is best to have them seen.
• Large, soft or squishy swelling on the head
  A bump on the head is common in little ones, but a soft or growing swelling could mean there is more going on under the surface. A quick check by a doctor can help rule out anything serious.
• Crying that will not stop or discomfort when moving arms or legs
  Persistent crying could mean your baby is uncomfortable or has an injury you cannot see. If they seem to hurt when moved or picked up, it is worth getting it looked at.

A safe crib setup is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls and sleep-related injuries. Keep your baby’s sleep environment simple and up to date, and never hesitate to seek care after a fall.

“Parents often focus on comfort, but safety must come first—especially as babies begin to sit, stand and climb,” Phillips said. “Regularly checking crib height and avoiding soft bedding and crib toys are simple ways to prevent falls and keep your little one secure.”