Ensuring safe sleep is something you quite obviously must take seriously as a parent. The baby’s sleep and safety rely on you. From newborn to toddler age, there are some things to consider and practice to help your child sleep safely and soundly.
Today, we will explore the top sleep safety rules for your child.
Know when to switch beds
Your baby won’t stay in the same bed forever. It is common to buy a next-to-me or a cot for the first 12-18 months. Some babies might need this sleep environment for a little longer.
Knowing when to switch baby to toddler bed will ensure that they sleep safely and comfortably. It is best to switch beds before your baby can start to climb out. This can happen as early as 18 months, it depends on how wriggly and strong they are. You will be able to understand where it is safest to switch beds. Some babies might not manage this until 24 months. Making the switch will guarantee the utmost safety when they are sleeping.
Encourage them to sleep on their backs
Newborns will happily sleep on their backs without a fuss. As they cannot roll or wriggle much, they don’t move a lot during their first few weeks of sleep.
When your baby does start to move around in their sleep, you must be watchful. Encouraging your baby to sleep on their back can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). They will sleep comfortably and safely when they sleep on their back throughout their nightime sleep and daytime naps.
Put them on a firm surface
Another top tip for safe sleeping is to put them on a firm surface. Again, they start to roll as they grow, which can cause them to roll onto their face and put themselves at risk.
A firm surface will reduce the ease of movement and encourage them to remain on their backs throughout their sleep. Make sure it is somewhat cushioned but not too soft so that it encourages them to roll with slight movement.
Create a sleep routine
If your baby isn’t sleeping well or safely, it can hold you back from feeling happy in life. Poor baby sleep will reduce your time spent asleep, which isn’t good for stress or mood. It is important to practice a sleep routine with your baby so that both they and you can get as much sleep as possible.
When you practice a routine, it can help the baby understand when it is time for bed. Settling them down and making them comfortable can enjoy safe and comfortable sleep. A warm bath, followed by a baby massage, and a baby book, and setting up a positive sleep environment will help them feel relaxed and, hopefully, encourage a long, safe sleep.
Keep hazards away
When you put your baby down to sleep during the day or at night, you must check the area for hazards. Babies must not have anything in their sleep space with them. Although they might not be able to move and grab things, objects can roll onto them and increase the risk of incidents.
Keep your baby at the right temperature
Babies need to be at a comfortable temperature when they sleep. Being too cold or too hot isn’t good for their health. You want to avoid overheating, which can be done by checking their temperature throughout the day/night.
You can do this with your hands and/or a thermometer. If they are too hot or too cold, layer them correctly to help them be safe and comfortable.
Avoid sharing a bed
Although you might want your baby to be as close to you as possible, it isn’t regarded as 100% safe if you want to sleep, too. Sleeping with your baby increases the risk of SIDS.
It is fine to put them near you in their own bed environment. You don’t want to risk rolling onto them while you are both asleep, so do your best to keep them in their own bed. A contact nap is fine if you know you will stay awake during nap time. But when you want to sleep, always provide them with their own sleep environment.
Breastfeeding and pacifiers
It is advised to breastfeed for at least the first six months of life because it has been demonstrated to lower the risk of SIDS. Staying awake during night feeds is crucial if you are nursing your child in order to reduce the chance that you will nod off while your child is in bed.
The incidence of SIDS can also be decreased by dummy use, but it is best to start using them three to four weeks after nursing is fully established.
Provide a smoke-free environment
A smoke-free atmosphere is essential for a baby’s safe sleep. Both throughout pregnancy and after delivery, smoking exposure dramatically raises the risk of SIDS. Make sure there is no smoke anywhere near your baby’s sleeping quarters, and refrain from smoking within your house.
To reduce the chance of exposing your child to dangerous pollutants, change into clean clothes and wash your hands before handling them if you or anyone else in the home smokes.
The use of monitoring devices
Although they can’t replace proper sleep practices, baby monitors can give you peace of mind by letting you watch or listen to your child while they sleep. There are many different kinds of monitors available, ranging from simple audio monitors to sophisticated video monitors equipped with movement and breathing sensors.
Especially if you’re not in the same room as your baby, pick a monitor that meets your demands and use it to stay in touch with their sleeping environment. When they wake, you can leave them a few minutes before attending to them so they can try to self-sooth, and don’t always rely on you immediately.
Enjoy the time with your baby, they grow up very fast x
Collaborative post, photo credit https://www.pexels.com/Alicia
