After spending 9 months doing everything to ensure your baby arrives healthy, parents want to continue to do their best for their newborn. Sleep is a huge component of an infant’s growth and development. Making it safe is critical. The following are recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Sleep Position – Supine (on the back) is always best, reducing the risk of SIDS. Both side and prone (on the tummy) increase the risk of rebreathing expired gasses. Once an infant can roll from back to front and back again, they can be allowed to stay in the sleep position of their choosing. This is typically around the 4 to 6-month mark but can vary depending on the baby. Supervised “Tummy Time” while the infant is awake promotes motor development, but when it’s sleeping time it’s on their back.
Sleep Surfaces – Safety approved cribs, portable cribs, play yards or bassinets should be used. A snug fitting firm mattress is best and cribs should not have drop sides. Older cribs and heirloom cribs may no longer meet standard safety requirements and should be avoided. Car seats or other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep at home, particularly for very young infants. At issue is the infant’s lack of head control and potential airway obstruction. A car seat for a newborn or infant is meant and built to be used in the car, not on other surfaces.
Bedding – All those cute baby quilts, comforters, bumpers, pillows, and other soft surface items are so tempting, but for the safety of baby they should be placed in their crib with only their sleep clothes. Today’s infant clothing is designed to keep babies warm and comfortable without the need for blankets. Make sure that baby’s sleepwear is appropriately sized. Avoid the temptation to place other soft toys in with the baby.
Room-sharing vs. Bed-sharing – The AAP recommends room-sharing but not bed-sharing. Room-sharing means the infant is placed in a crib or similar surface close to parents’ bed but not in the bed with them. Often people will use the term “co-sleeping”, but this term can get tangled with bed-sharing or room-sharing so it’s best to be clear. Bed-sharing continues to be highly controversial. There are many reasons why parents chose to bed-share with their infants or children, but consider the hazards before making this decision. Room-sharing provides parents with close proximity to baby to comfort, monitor and feed without the dangers associated with bed-sharing.
Sleep is crucial for your baby and for you. Setting safe sleep plans not only allows baby to sleep well but give you peace of mind letting you sleep well too.
Source: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/128/5/e1341
