Safe Sleep Practices for your Baby

It is very important for you to create a safe sleep environment for your baby so that you can help him/her sleep safely and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

You walk into your home with your bundle of joy and you can do anything to make this first experience for your baby the best there is! You can start by making sure that your baby’s first and on-going sleeping experiences are safe for him and at the same time, comfortable/relaxing for you.  The sad news is that yes you do have to wake up in the middle of the night but the good news is that if you build a good sleep schedule for your baby, you will help him/her transition smoothly into independence.  The first six months will be tough but as time goes on, you will be thankful that you were well prepared and things will flow smoothly (most of the time).  It is equally very important for you to share this experience with caregivers, family or friends that may care for your baby.

© Everything Family Guide

1. Safe Sleep = Safe Crib – Keep your crib free of clutter (i.e. toys, fancy bedding, etc). You should use a fitted crib sheet on a firm mattress.  As for a blanket, don't use one! Dress your child in a light one-piece sleeper.  Keep an eye on room temperature to make sure that it does not get too hot or too cold, but just right (warm).  Keep things simple and easy for you and the baby.
2. Back to sleep – Babies have a habit of sleeping in the position that they are placed in and so it’s crucial for you to put them on their backs for a reduced risk of SIDS.  So next time, you put your baby to sleep, please place him/her on his back during nap time or night time.
3. Provide a smoke free atmosphere – It is very important for you (during your pregnancy) and for your baby (after birth) to be purged of all those toxic fumes and have a smoke free atmosphere.
4. Keep me close by – After I had my babies, I really wanted to be close to them due to comfort, safety and breastfeeding.  So my doc suggested room sharing (placing the baby’s crib or playpen close to the parent’s bed). Please don’t bring the baby to bed with you as it can be very dangerous and lead to SIDS. During the deep stages of sleep, we have no control on our body functions and therefore we can mistakenly squeeze, suffocate or crush that little creature.  No matter how well prepared you are or how stiff of a sleeper you are, we all move/toss/turn during our sleep.  Do your baby a favor and keep him/her close by in a crib versus on your bed with you.

In summary, the safest way for your baby to sleep is on his/her back in the crib, in a non-toxic and comfortable atmosphere.

Annie

(Source: AB Health)