Every parent wants to keep their baby safe and healthy, especially when it comes to sleep. How do you create a safe environment for your infant? How can you ensure that they’re comfortable?
How can you make sure that they don’t roll off of the bed or out of their crib? How does your nursery contribute to the safety of your child during nap time and overnight slumber? We’ve got answers!
Place your baby to sleep on their back
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that, starting from birth, you should place your baby to sleep on their back on a firm mattress in a crib that meets current Health Canada safety standards. You should do this at all times when your baby is sleeping, both at night and while your baby is napping. This is a practice you can follow throughout your baby’s first year of life.
Put your baby’s crib in your bedroom
You can put your baby’s crib in your bedroom for the first six months which will make it easier for you when your baby wakes up in the middle of the night. If your room is too small for a crib, use a cradle or a bassinet that also meets current Health Canada safety regulations.
Don’t use rolled-up blankets
Make sure you don’t use rolled-up blankets or any other support to keep your baby on their back since these can cause your baby to suffocate.
Never put your baby to sleep on a sofa, an armchair, a waterbed or cushions
Your baby could easily turn over on to their sides or their stomachs when placed on these soft surfaces. If a baby turns over on to a soft surface, they may not get enough air to breathe, which can cause suffocation.
There should be no stuffed animals, pillows and other pillow-like items in your baby’s crib
This means no stuffed animals, pillows and other pillow-like items. These can pose a risk of suffocation for your little one when they are too small to roll over and get themselves up.
They may also be confused by the items, which could lead them to accidentally put their face into the pillow and suffocate.
Don’t use comforters or thick covers in your baby’s crib
These can easily cover their heads while they’re sleeping. You can dress your baby in a sleeper instead of using a blanket..
There are two ways that you can dress your baby in a sleeper. The first is to put it on like an actual outfit and the second is to put it on like a sleeping bag.
Make sure your baby is not too warm
Try to ensure a stable temperature in your baby’s room at all times. It should be about 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re worried that your baby might get too cold, use a thin blanket or sleeper instead of turning up the thermostat.
It’s very important to keep your baby away from cigarette smoke
Babies who are exposed to smoke, either before birth or after birth, are at increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Following these steps will help ensure your baby’s sleep environment is as safe and secure as possible—something that will help everyone in your home get a good night’s sleep.
For more information about creating a safe sleep environment for your baby, visit the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Caring for Kids website.
Conclusion
Don’t use comforters or thick covers in your baby’s crib. These can easily cover their heads while they’re sleeping. You can dress your baby in a sleeper instead of using a blanket. Make sure that the crib is not too warm and if you are worried about them getting cold, then use a thin blanket or sleep suit instead of increasing temperature levels.
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