I thought I would write an article compiling the best safe sleeping for newborn tips. If you haven’t yet, read this informative post about crib mattresses or this post about crib beds for your twins.
Table of Content
Safe Sleeping for Newborns: Where To Put Baby To Sleep?
Do:
- Make your baby lie flat on his back on a flat, firm surface. Cribs and bassinets are specially designed for babies and to keep them safe when sleeping. If you have twins, triplets, or more, make sure that each baby has their own crib or bassinet.
- Make sure that the mattress fits securely in the crib or bassinet. There should be no spaces between it and the frame to avoid any untoward accidents.
- Keep the mattress firm even when covered with a mattress cover or a sheet.
- Keep the baby’s bassinet or crib close to you in your bedroom for at least the first six months of their life.
- Find a crib or bassinet that is up to date with safety standards.
Don’t:
- Use any crib mattress other than the one that is made for the crib.
- Share your bed with your baby. Bed-sharing has become the most common cause of infant deaths.
- Use old models of cribs like drop-side rails or try to fix those which have already broken.
- Put any soft objects with your baby inside the crib as they can end up suffocating on these items. This includes loose bedding and toys.
- Substitute strollers, carriers, slings, or car seats as a bed substitute as they pose the danger of suffocation.
- Let your baby sleep on soft surfaces like sofas and waterbeds.
How To Position Baby’s Crib Safely?
Keep any wires or cords away from your baby’s sleeping area as they can accidentally choke when they get tangled in the cords or wires. In the same logic, keep from hanging anything above your baby’s crib with strings or cords.
In the event that your baby cries or needs to be fed in the middle of the night, the best place to put their crib or bassinet is in your bedroom. This makes it so much more convenient for you to reach them and close contact is also recommended for the first few months.
Keep your baby safe by returning them or back to their crib immediately after feeding them. I know it’s hard when you’re really tired, but having them sleep in the right bed for them is what’s best.
How To Put Baby To Sleep Safely?
Up until the age of one, babies should be put to sleep on their backs. Avoid allowing your baby to sleep on their side or tummy. As long as you can be sure that your baby can roll over to lie on their back from being on their side or tummy, then you don’t have to worry about them changing positions while sleeping. Tummy time is also necessary to get throughout the day to help their neck, shoulder, and arm muscle development.
Make sure that the clothes your baby sleeps in are light and hazard free. Make sure that they don’t cover your baby’s head and that there are no strings or ties to get tangled in. Keep your baby from being overheated while sleeping.
Giving your baby a pacifier may be needed to help keep them calm and can also protect them from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. If they are being breastfed, then you give them a pacifier once they are a month old or older.
Cardiorespiratory monitors and mattresses or wedges that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS don’t have enough evidence to prove their claims. As such, there is no need for you to invest in these items. The monitors may be needed for special medical problems, but not all babies do. Take note of these safe sleeping for babies tips as it’s absolutely essential to be educated about them as parents. Also see these baby monitors for deaf parents guide
