Sleeping Infants: Dos and Don'ts

Parents, grandparents and well-wishers often have differing opinions about babies' sleep habits and what are the safest options. Yet, statistics like ones from the Consumer Products Safety Commission that show 30 infants have died and 700 have been injured from sleeping in inclined sleepers are significant and important to take into account. Medical experts agree, in fact, that the best way for an infant to sleep is on his or her back on a flat, unencumbered surface.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) summarizes it well when they state: "Always place babies on their back to sleep," and, "use a firm and flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a crib." 

Why is the sleeping position important? Because when a young baby sleeps on his or her belly, it lowers the infant's blood pressure and reduces their brain's ability to obtain oxygen. Babies younger than four months are especially at risk because the brain's reflex to breathe in order to obtain more oxygen is repressed during stomach sleep. If baby is slouched or strapped into a different device on an incline, this can also negatively affect their breathing.

Other recommendations from NIH include:

  • Keeping the crib clear of bulky bedding, pillows, stuffed animals and other items, such as bottles.
  • Be aware that popular inclined "sleepers" like Rock n Plays and DockaTots are only for temporary rest, and should always be supervised by an awake adult.
  • Once a baby can roll from his or her back, that is perfectly normal. Do not attempt to keep a baby from flipping by propping them up in any way, or with sleep positioners.
  • Consider using warm pajamas or a sleep sack so that you do not need a bulky blanket to cover him/her. Blankets of any size in the crib are a suffocation and strangulation hazard.
  • Put the baby to sleep in a cool and dark environment.
  • Keep the baby away from cigarette smoke, a risk factor for SIDs.
  • Never nap with the baby or put them down to sleep on a sofa, armchair, etc., as this increases the risk of suffocation.

Please keep in mind that if you or someone you know were able to successfully have a sleeping baby in one of these unsafe sleeping environments, it doesn't mean that it was safe for them or that it will be safe for you in the future. 

In short, a young baby should always have a firm, secure, crib to sleep in, whether at home or traveling. While compromising on this may be tempting if a baby is fussy or there are other challenges, nothing is worth risking the life of your baby.
 

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What is Your Opinion?

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