Amidst the excitement of bringing your newborn home, there is likely a lot of anxiety. As a new mom or parent, you hear stories of how delicate babies are and how easy it is for something to go wrong.
Throughout your pregnancy, you may have worried and stressed about how to protect this new, vulnerable, tiny human about to join your family. This is especially true for new moms, but even if this isn’t your first baby, it’s always good to be well-informed.
When it comes to sleep, there are several do’s and don’ts around safe practices when putting your baby to bed. These practices are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, to protect babies from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), choking, and or suffocation.
In this blog, we will provide a refresher on the critical do’s and don’ts of safe sleep so you can create the best environment for your little one with confidence. Whether you are a new parent or need an update on the current guidelines, the information below covers the most up-to-date practices to protect your baby during sleep.
The do’s of putting your baby to bed
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 3500 babies in the U.S. die every year in their sleep unexpectedly. Most of these devastating deaths are caused by suffocation, strangulation, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Most safe sleep practices are centered around maintaining a safe sleep environment. To prevent sleep-related infant deaths, the AAP has listed several safe sleep practices that may help reduce SIDS.
They also provide guidance on how to prevent unintentional strangulation or suffocation. The recommendations provided by the AAP are for babies up to one year of age.
1. Do use a firm sleep surface
Per the AAP, any surface that inclines over 10 degrees when your baby is placed on it, is unsafe. Your crib mattress should not be indented when you place your baby in the crib.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has outlined specific safety standards for cribs, bassinets, and play yards. Check these safety standards to ensure your crib complies with them and has not been recalled by CPSC.
Additionally, crib mattresses are designed to fit specific cribs, so ensure the mattress you use has been made for your crib and fits tightly with no gaps that your baby could fall into and become trapped.
2. Do place your baby on their back
In comparison to babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides, babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to die unexpectedly. Side lying can lead to babies rolling over more easily, onto their stomachs.
You may worry that your baby will choke if they are laced on their backs, but their gag reflex and airway anatomy prevent this from happening.
Premature babies are initially placed on their stomachs in the NICU but when your baby is medically stable, you should begin placing them on their back.
Furthermore, some babies roll independently onto their stomachs even if you place them on their backs. If your baby is comfortable rolling from tummy to back and vice versa, you do not need to change their position.
3. Do keep the sleep environment clear
Ensure there are no suffocation hazards or objects that can cause entrapment in the crib such as blankets, Comforters, loose bedding, soft toys, pillows, mattress toppers, or bumper pads.
These items could block your baby’s airflow if they roll into them. Only a fitted sheet should be used in a crib to prevent accidental suffocation.
4. Do use a sleep sack or swaddle
If you are worried about your baby becoming cold without a comforter or blanket, the AAP recommends wrapping them in a swaddle.
Conversely, there is also the risk of overheating, which may increase the risk of SIDS. The general rule is to dress your baby in one additional layer than what you are wearing to ensure warmth But prevent overheating.
There are signs to check if your baby is overheating. A flushed face, sweating, and hot chest are a few tell-tale signs that your little one is too hot. Babies expel excess heat from their heads, so there is no need to place a hat on their heads while at home.
Once your baby shows signs of rolling over, remove the swaddles as the risk of suffocation is higher if your baby is swaddled when they roll over. Babies usually begin to roll over at three to four months of age, but it might happen sooner.
5. Do use a pacifier
Not all babies take to a pacifier, but if they do, pacifiers can help reduce SIDS even if they fall out once the baby drifts off to sleep. As long as you do not tie the pacifier around your baby’s neck (which can cause strangulation), it is safe to use.
The don’ts of putting your baby to bed
1. Don’t share a sleep space with your baby
The AAP does not recommend sharing a sleep space with your baby. If you feed your baby in bed, move them to their crib when they are full and show signs of tiredness.
If you’re up late and feeding in bed where you might fall asleep, ensure there are no pillows, blankets, or sheets that could restrict your baby’s airflow by covering their face. When you wake up, place your baby in their own bed.
Instead of bed sharing the AAP recommends room sharing as it can reduce SIDs by up to 50%. Place your baby’s bassinet or crib close to your bed for easy access.
2. Don’t use weighted blankets or swaddles
The CPSC urges parents not to use weighted blankets or swaddles as these products drastically reduce the oxygen saturation levels in infants. Prolonged exposure to low oxygen levels can harm your baby’s brain development.
3. Don’t smoke around your baby
Smoking around your baby can increase the risk of SIDS, even if you are smoking on the balcony. Smoking includes cigarettes, vapes, and electronic cigarettes.
It is safest not to smoke near your baby at all. If you are a smoker, it is not recommended to share a bed with your little one even if you don’t smoke in bed.
4. Don’t use cardiorespiratory monitors as a way to prevent SIDS
These products do not have the same safety guidelines or standards as other medical devices, and there is no evidence that wearable heart rate monitors or pulse oximetry monitors reduce SIDS.
If you wish to use them you can, as long as you don’t use them as a substitute for the safe sleep guidelines outlined above.
Conclusion
To protect your baby’s health and well-being you must create a safe sleep environment for them. By following the do’s such as placing them on their back, using a firm mattress, and only using a fitted sheet—and by avoiding the don’ts—such as smoking around your infant, using weighted blankets, and sharing a sleep space—you can safeguard your baby from SIDS and other sleep-related risks.
Sources:
- How to keep your sleeping baby safe. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained.
