Safe Sleeping Practices for Babies
During the first few weeks of life, babies sleep for about 16 hours a day, that’s why creating a safe sleeping environment is imperative. It is important for new parents, caregivers or babysitters to be aware about safe sleeping practices to reduce the risk of injuries and sleep related infant death syndromes including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Keep reading to know more about how you can keep your baby safe during sleeping.
- Share room with your baby: The risk of sleep related infant death can be reduced if you decide to share a room with your baby and sleep close by. For example, place your baby’s crib beside your bed. This way you won’t be sharing the bed or sleeping surface but your baby will still be at an arm’s length.
- Place your baby to sleep on his/her back: Your pediatrician would have already suggested you to always place the baby on their backs while putting them to sleep. It’s not safe for a baby to sleep on his side or tummy. If your baby has started rolling over from his back to side or tummy and back again, then changing positions should not be considered as a problem.
- Put your baby to sleep on a firm surface: The mattress in the crib should stay firm and make sure that there are no gaps between the frame and mattress. Make sure there are no toys, or other objects in the crib, they put your baby in danger of being suffocated.
- Dress your baby in comfortable clothes: Do not cover baby’s head while putting him to sleep and remove strings or ties from the dress, if any. Make sure the room is at comfortable temperature.
- Don’t let your baby sleep in a carrier, sling or stroller: If your baby has fallen asleep in a carrier or sling, make sure that you take him/her out and put them in the crib as soon as you can.
If you have any doubts about the sleeping practices, you can always consult a children’s doctor to create a safe sleeping environment for the baby.