How to Create a Safe Sleep Environment for your Baby

Creating a safe sleep environment for your new little one is important for their health and safety.  By ensuring a safe sleep environment, you are helping to protect your infant from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and SUID (Sudden Unexplained Infant Death).  Additionally, introducing good sleeping habits from the beginning will promote long-term healthy sleep habits as your little one grows.  The following tips will help you create the safest sleeping environment for your little one so you can rest easy knowing they are as safe as possible. 

Tip 1:  Back is Best

Always place your baby on their back to sleep!  When this strategy was introduced in the 1980s, it reduced the SIDS rate by 53%!  A simple strategy that makes a big difference!  As your baby gets older and begins to roll over, don't worry about waking them to put them on their back.

Tip 2:  To Swaddle or not to Swaddle

Every baby is different, but we highly recommend finding a swaddle that you and your baby love and use it religiously every night!  The swaddle will provide comfort by mimicking that snug womb feeling and helps reduce the startle reflex that can wake a sleeping baby.  It also eliminates the need for loose blankets and is the safest way to keep your baby warm at night. 

Tip 3:  Sleep Environment

Co-sleeping, room sharing, bed sharing-there are so many names for places that babies sleep.  However, we know the safest place for baby is in their own bed (firm, flat surface and a well-fitted sheet over the mattress) in your room.  This is often referred to as room sharing. Sharing your room, but not your bed, with your baby is helpful for many reasons, number one being those frequent nighttime feedings.  Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes the importance of room sharing for AT LEAST the first 6 months, if not the first full year of your baby's life.  Also, make sure there is NOTHING else in the bed with your baby.  No loose blankets, stuffed animals, burp cloths, etc. Any of these items can cover the baby's face making it difficult for the baby to breathe.

If you have additional questions about caring for your newborn, call or schedule a visit today.