Sleep Safety Tips for Infants
There are few things more concerning to parents than SIDS and the possibility that their baby might just stop breathing. New parents frequently check their baby’s breathing during sleep and it’s not uncommon to hear a parent say they just wanted to make sure the baby was “still breathing.” This is a normal reaction for a parent and not totally unwarranted. Luckily, there are things parents can do to reduce the risk of SIDS and ensure their baby is sleeping in a safe environment with low risk factors.
No Blankets: As much as you want to wrap your baby up in a blanket, don't! You can keep baby plenty warm in pajamas and by setting the temperature around 68 degrees. Your baby may be small but they are comfortable in the same amount of clothes you are. Try to resist the urge to over bundle baby with blankets. Babies actually sleep better in a cooler room kept between 61º F and 68º F, rather than a 72-75 degree range where most thermostats are set.
Firm Mattress: Babies who sleep in cribs should have very firm mattresses. This is very important and old, used mattresses that are not sufficiently firm should be avoided. Don’t use any mattress that could put your baby at risk.
Safe Sleeping Environment: Make sure your baby is sleeping in a safe place. That means if he is on a grown up bed, ensure there are bed rails, pillows, or something that will keep baby from falling. A good idea is to place the mattress on the floor if baby will be co-sleeping. Do not use pillows, blankets, toys, or anything that could suffocate baby. Avoid anything that could strangle baby, too, like blind cords and the like.
Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on his back to sleep. Many babies prefer to sleep on their stomachs; however the risk of SIDS for stomach sleeping is 10 to 15 times higher than back sleeping. Because of this parents should be vigilant about placing baby on his back to sleep.
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No Blankets: As much as you want to wrap your baby up in a blanket, don't! You can keep baby plenty warm in pajamas and by setting the temperature around 68 degrees. Your baby may be small but they are comfortable in the same amount of clothes you are. Try to resist the urge to over bundle baby with blankets. Babies actually sleep better in a cooler room kept between 61º F and 68º F, rather than a 72-75 degree range where most thermostats are set.
Firm Mattress: Babies who sleep in cribs should have very firm mattresses. This is very important and old, used mattresses that are not sufficiently firm should be avoided. Don’t use any mattress that could put your baby at risk.
Safe Sleeping Environment: Make sure your baby is sleeping in a safe place. That means if he is on a grown up bed, ensure there are bed rails, pillows, or something that will keep baby from falling. A good idea is to place the mattress on the floor if baby will be co-sleeping. Do not use pillows, blankets, toys, or anything that could suffocate baby. Avoid anything that could strangle baby, too, like blind cords and the like.
Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on his back to sleep. Many babies prefer to sleep on their stomachs; however the risk of SIDS for stomach sleeping is 10 to 15 times higher than back sleeping. Because of this parents should be vigilant about placing baby on his back to sleep.
Back to Baby Stores page on this site.