Baby Sleep Advice
There is some excellent baby sleep advice out there for your consideration. When it comes to babies and sleeping our biggest concern is SIDS. That is why we are shown at the hospital to put the baby on its back to sleep. Still, there are measures you can take to better protect your baby and insure the best sleep possible for you both. Make certain that your crib is safety approved, with a fitted sheet, a firm mattress according to baby sleep advice.
It’s true the safest place for a newborn, is in your room. Not in your bed, though. You can place the crib or bassinet close to your bed. Putting it within arm’s reach makes breast feeding much more convenient, and gives both parents peace of mind. Do not use bumper pads that billow like pillows. The pads should be firm, thin and well secured to the frame of the crib. Blankets can be used, but be sure to tuck them around the sides of the mattress. The covers should come up to the baby’s chest. Baby sleep advice advises using sleep clothing instead of blankets to keep from overheating the baby. Babies becoming too warm seem to be at a higher risk for SIDS.
Keep pillows, comforters, stuffed toys out of the baby’s crib or bassinet. Even if the baby is lying on its back, these items could cover its face, creating a very unsafe environment. Tragedies happen in seconds. There is no reason to take chances. Take precautions instead. Smoking during pregnancy seems to raise the risk of SIDS. So does second hand smoke. No one should smoke in your home. Baby sleep advice does support the use of pacifiers. The baby will need to be at least one month old. If the baby does not like the pacifier, then do not force it.
There are no products on the market that prove to prevent SIDS. Though home monitors are good for illnesses in SIDS, it does not seem to be helpful. Allow your baby to rest on your tummy. This is a safe way for the baby to develop its neck muscles and avoid flat spots on the head. Put baby down as he/she becomes drowsy. Baby sleep advice supports this method as a way to let baby get comfortable, and relax into a deep sleep.
Babies do not need night lights. Keep your room dark at night and ready for sleep. The less stimulation, the best rest for you both. During the day, let it be natural with sunlight coming through. This will keep baby from mixing up its days and nights. When baby wakes up at night, do not automatically hit the lights. Instead, work with what you have, but go as low light as possible, so the baby will be more conducive to going back to sleep. Baby sleep advice is an advocate of this!
