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A new study published in the journal Pediatrics has discovered that many moms aren’t following safe sleep guidelines at home. These guidelines are crucial in keeping babies safe while they are asleep and reducing their risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Take note of these eight points to observe safe sleep guidelines with your baby.
How to practice safe infant sleep guidelines at home
1. Learn about safe sleep guidelines.
You won’t know how to keep your baby safe while she’s asleep without knowing what safe sleep guidelines are. Aside from reading articles about these practices, you can also talk to your pediatrician and ask for their advice.
2. Have your baby sleep on her back.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents put their babies to sleep on their backs during naps and at night. The Nationwide Children’s Hospital says that once a baby can roll over to her stomach and back, it’s okay to let her find the sleep position she’s most comfortable in, but before then, babies should ones sleep on their backs.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW3. Place your baby’s crib in your room.
The AAP also recommends room-sharing with your baby or placing her sleeping area in the room you sleep in for the first six months (or the first year). Room-sharing is much safer than co-sleeping and can also make it easier for parents to watch over and feed their babies whenever necessary.
4. Create a safe sleeping environment for your baby.
A safe sleeping environment for your baby comprises primarily of a crib that follows safety standards and a firm mattress that does not indent when your baby is lying on it and is covered in tight-fitting sheets. Keep it free of objects like pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys, which can increase the risk of suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment.
5. Be discerning when shopping for a crib.
When choosing a crib, the AAP asks parents to consider factors like the width between the crib bars (no more than 2 3/8 inches) and the distance between the top of the crib rail and the top of the mattress (26 inches). Cribs with drop rails are considered unsafe. Read the complete guidelines here.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch now6. Co-sleep with caution.
If you plan on co-sleeping with your baby, Dr. James McKenna, a renowned expert on infant sleep and SIDS, has important guidelines for you to keep in mind, including making sure that both you and your partner are aware of the infant sleeping on the same bed as you and tying your hair to avoid accidentally strangling your baby with strands of hair. Read more about Dr. McKenna’s guidelines here.
7. Dress your baby warmly.
To make sure your baby stays warm while she is sleeping, dress her in warm clothes, like onesies or pajamas, You can also try putting her in a sleep sack or a wearable blanket if you feel it necessary. Similarly, make sure the temperature in the room is comfortable.
8. Don’t let your baby fall asleep in a stroller, car seat, etc.
A crib is the safest place for your baby to sleep. If your little one snoozes off in her stroller, car seat, or even on your couch, don’t forget to take her back to her sleeping area. If she needs feeding in the middle of the night, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital advises moms to breastfeed in bed then putting their babies back in their separate sleeping space later.
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