Posted by Jacek on 12/28/2013 to
NEWBORN
In the early days with a newborn, a lot of people may tell you to use whatever strategies you can to get your baby to sleep. After all, the whole family is on limited hours of sleep, and the more your baby sleeps, the happier everyone will be. However, babies are not yet strong enough to move their bodies when needed during sleep, which can put them at risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, it is important that you follow the safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce this risk, even if that means getting less shut eye yourself.
One of the most important things you can do is put your baby to sleep on his back. Babies who are not yet able to roll over could become trapped on their tummies with their faces in the mattress, leading to suffocation. Babies who are laid down on their sides could fall forward on their tummies, again becoming trapped. Even if your baby fights it, always put him to sleep on his back for his safety.
Clear the crib of any loose items, such as blankets, pillows, toys and other bedding. Your baby could become tangled in these, or they could cover his face, both increasing the risk of suffocation. Dress your baby in warm pajamas or a sleep sack to keep him comfortable.
Other recommendations include keeping the room at a comfortable temperature (overheating can increase the risk for SIDS), breastfeeding your baby (said to reduce the risk of SIDS), and laying him on a firm sleep surface such as a crib mattress. By following these recommendations, you can feel sure of your baby’s safety while sleeping, which can help you sleep more soundly yourself.