Every parent wants to ensure their baby is safe and comfortable, especially when it comes to sleep. But how do you create a safe environment for your infant? How can you ensure they’re comfortable, and what steps can you take to prevent them from rolling out of bed or falling from their crib? How does the nursery contribute to your child’s safety during nap time and overnight slumber? We’ve got the answers!
Place Your Baby to Sleep on Their Back
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends placing your baby on their back to sleep, starting from birth. Always use a firm mattress in a crib that meets current Health Canada safety standards. This sleep practice should be followed at all times during the first year of life, both at night and for naps.
Keep Your Baby’s Crib in Your Bedroom
For the first six months, it’s recommended that you place your baby’s crib in your bedroom.
This will make it easier for you to attend to your baby during the night.
If space is an issue, consider using a cradle or bassinet that complies with Health Canada’s safety regulations.
Avoid Rolled-Up Blankets and Supports
Never use rolled-up blankets or other supports to keep your baby in a specific position.
These items can increase the risk of suffocation, so it’s essential to avoid them at all costs.
Never Let Your Baby Sleep on Sofas or Soft Surfaces
It’s important to avoid placing your baby on a sofa, armchair, waterbed, or any soft surface.
Babies may easily roll over onto their sides or stomachs, and these surfaces could prevent them from breathing properly, leading to suffocation risks.
Keep Stuffed Animals and Pillows Out of the Crib
To prevent suffocation hazards, make sure your baby’s crib is free of stuffed animals, pillows, and other soft, pillow-like items.
At such a young age, babies can’t move themselves away from these items, which may accidentally cover their faces.
Avoid Comforters and Thick Covers in the Crib
Thick blankets and comforters can cover your baby’s face while they sleep, posing a suffocation risk.
Instead of using a blanket, dress your baby in a sleeper, which is safer and more comfortable for sleep.
You can either dress your baby in a sleeper like an outfit or use one designed as a sleeping bag.
Maintain a Comfortable Room Temperature
Keep your baby’s room at a stable temperature, ideally around 68°F (20°C).
If you’re concerned your baby might get too cold, dress them in a thin blanket or sleeper instead of increasing the room temperature.
Keep Your Baby Away from Cigarette Smoke
Exposure to cigarette smoke—before or after birth—raises the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
It’s critical to maintain a smoke-free environment for your baby to help lower this risk.
Following these steps will help you create a safe sleep environment for your baby, ensuring both safety and comfort during nap times and overnight sleep. This will also help the entire family get a restful night’s sleep.
For more information on creating a safe sleep environment for your baby, visit the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Caring for Kids website.
Read more about Bassinet vs. Crib: How to Decide…
Conclusion
To ensure a safe and secure sleep environment for your baby, avoid using comforters or thick blankets in their crib.
Instead, dress your baby in a sleeper or sleep suit to maintain warmth.
Keep the room temperature steady, and if needed, use a thin blanket instead of adjusting the thermostat.
Following these guidelines will help create a safer sleep setting for your baby and give you peace of mind.
