When you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival, sleep might be one of your top concerns. Whether you’re setting up the nursery or already navigating those sleepless nights with your newborn, understanding how to ensure safe sleep is crucial.
While you naturally want your baby to sleep soundly, safety should always come first. Adopting smart sleep practices is vital for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers. The good news? Safe sleep guidelines are straightforward, and in many cases, the simpler the approach, the better. Here’s what every new parent needs to know.
Where Should Your Newborn Sleep?
You might be wondering where your baby should sleep, the best sleep position, and whether a blanket or pillow is safe. It’s natural to have these questions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers clear guidance to help you make informed decisions.
Share a Room, But Not a Bed
For the first six months, having your baby sleep in your room can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%. Keeping your little one close also makes nighttime feedings more convenient. However, the AAP advises against sharing a bed with your baby. Instead, place your newborn in a separate bassinet or crib. Your bed’s pillows and blankets can pose suffocation risks, and there’s also the danger of your baby falling or being accidentally rolled onto during the night.
Crib or Bassinet: What’s Best?
Whether your baby sleeps in a crib, bassinet, playard, or portable crib is up to you. However, it’s crucial that whichever option you choose meets the latest safety guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Avoid letting your baby sleep on sofas, armchairs, or any surface not designed for infant sleep, as these can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS.
Choosing the Right Crib or Bassinet
When selecting a crib or bassinet, consider the following:
- Footprint: Ensure the bassinet has a wide, sturdy base to prevent tipping.
- Weight Limit: Most bassinets have weight limits of 15-20 pounds. Transition your baby to a crib around 15 pounds or by 3-4 months old.
- Age and Condition: Avoid cribs made before June 2011, as they may not meet current safety standards. Ensure the crib has no peeling paint, splintered wood, or wide slats (more than 2 3/8 inches apart).
Crib Mattress Safety
Your crib mattress should fit snugly within the crib, with no more than two fingers’ width between the mattress and crib sides. For full-size cribs, use a firm, standard-size mattress (27 1/4 inches by 51 1/4 inches) no thicker than 6 inches. Portable cribs and playards should only use the mattresses they come with.
When to Lower the Crib Mattress
Most cribs allow you to adjust the mattress height. Keep it at the highest level for newborns, then lower it once your baby starts sitting up or pulling to a standing position (around 4-7 months).
How Should Your Newborn Sleep? Creating a Safe Sleep Environment
Following these additional tips will help ensure your baby’s sleep environment is as safe as possible.
Always Place Baby on Their Back
Until their first birthday, always place your baby on their back to sleep. Sleeping on the stomach increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Once your baby can roll over on their own, you can let them sleep in their preferred position. Babies typically begin rolling over between 3-6 months.
Keep the Crib Clear
Your baby’s crib should be free of bumpers, stuffed animals, blankets, and pillows. These items can pose suffocation hazards. Once your child moves to a toddler bed (usually between 2-3 years old), it’s safe to introduce a pillow and blanket.
Avoid Overheating
Dress your baby in a simple one-piece sleeper and consider using a sleep sack or swaddle instead of a blanket. Avoid weighted sleep products, and keep the room temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby’s neck is sweaty, they’re too warm.
Ensure a Smoke-Free Environment
Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS, so it’s crucial to keep your baby’s environment smoke-free.
Avoid Hazards in the Crib
Ensure that your baby can’t reach cords, curtains, or other items that could pose a strangulation risk. Hanging a mobile over the crib is fine, but it should be removed once your baby can push up on their hands and knees.
Additional Safe Sleep Tips
Don’t Rely on “Smart” Baby Monitors
While some baby monitors claim to prevent SIDS, there’s no evidence supporting their effectiveness. These devices are not regulated by the FDA and may not be safe.
Try a Pacifier
Offering a pacifier during sleep can reduce the risk of SIDS. While the exact reason isn’t known, it’s believed that pacifiers may help keep airways open or prevent babies from sleeping too deeply. Don’t worry if your baby refuses the pacifier.
Breastfeed if Possible
Breastfeeding for at least two to four months can reduce the risk of SIDS by 40%, with the risk dropping by 60% if you continue for four to six months.
Stop Swaddling Before Rolling Begins
Swaddling should be discontinued once your baby starts trying to roll over, typically around 3-4 months. Continuing to swaddle after this point can increase the risk of strangulation or suffocation.
Conclusion
Safe sleep practices are essential but don’t have to be overwhelming. By following these expert-recommended guidelines, you can ensure your baby sleeps safely and comfortably, giving both of you peace of mind.
