07 Jul 5 Tips for a Safe Sleep Environment!
What is more precious on earth than our newborn! Nothing!! That is why I want to share these 5 safety tips with you! As new parents, we sometimes forget about the importance of safe sleep because our body goes into survival mode. I understand, but we would never want to hurt our little one. So here it is:
1. A empty safety-approved crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet; that’s it!
X No crib bumpers
X No stuffed animal
X No blankets
*We can introduce a comfort item after the child turns one. 😊
2. Always lay your baby on their backs when you put them down to sleep.
This is the safest sleep position for your baby! Once he can start turning on his own, keep placing the child on his back and let them choose the position they prefer to sleep in.
3. Swaddle & Sleep Sacks!
The swaddle is great for the newborn stage, until around 2-4 months. Once the child starts to roll over, transition to a SleepSack. The swaddle essentially mimics the womb. It helps to reduce the Moro reflex (the jerking of the arms) that can often wake up your baby.
The sleep sack is essentially a wearable blanket. This can also provide a sleepy cue and lets your little one knows that sleep is coming shortly! The SleepSack can also make it harder for your little one to get out of the crib when he gets older!
4. Continuous White Noise Machine!
Remember that it was quite loud in the womb, your baby is used to sleeping around a lot of noise! The noise level should be about the sound of a shower. It helps to soothe the baby and creates an environment that is conducive to sleep. Plus, it eliminates the household noises so you can go about your day or evening (especially if you have other kids or pets). This is not a habit-forming tool. When your child is older and you want to eliminate it, simply reduce the noise level every few nights until you completely shut it off.
5. Sleep area next to the parents is recommended for the first 6 months:
This might surprise you, but this is what is recommended, really a personal choice! A baby can make a lot of noise while sleeping and this can easily disrupt YOUR much-needed sleep. If you feel you would have a night of more restful sleep with your little one in his room, simply move the child to the nursery. There is always the option of having a baby monitor close to you if the nursery is not near your bedroom.
Remember, you are a great mom and you got this!!!
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