Let's talk about Safe Sleep!
We hear people talking about safe sleep but what does that mean? How to we prepare? Today we are going to share what safe sleep looks like to help you feel more prepared for when baby arrives.
The American Academy of Pediatrics have a few recommendations when it comes to creating a safe sleep environment for your baby. These things are:
Place baby on his or her back on a firm sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet with a tight-fitting sheet.
Avoid use of soft bedding, including crib bumpers, blankets, pillows and soft toys. The crib should be bare.
Share a bedroom with parents, but not the same sleeping surface, preferably until the baby turns 1 but at least for the first six months. Room-sharing decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent.
Avoid baby’s exposure to smoke, alcohol and illicit drugs.
I have a few recommendations I would like to share in addition to the AAP recommendations.
Safe Swaddle
It should be snug around baby’s chest but still leave room for your hand to slide in.
You should stop using a swaddle when baby can roll from back to belly
The swaddle should be snug around the chest but loose around the hips.
Swaddle should be secure. Using a velcro or zipper swaddle with keep baby safe and secure.
Safe Bassinet Sleep
Make sure you know the weight/length limit. When baby hits those or starts to sit up it’s time to transition out of the bassinet.
We see a lot of people using things inside the bassinet. Please only use the mattress that comes with the bassinet and like with a crib it should be bare. (no bedding, stuffed toys, etc.)
Safe Crib Sleep
Free of bumpers, bedding, toys, etc.
There should be no gabs around the edges of the mattress
The fitted sheet should fit nice and snug on the mattress
Your crib should have slats no more than 2 3/8 inches and no drop down sides.
Watch the height setting and make sure it is the correct height. Example: When baby starts standing you will need to lower the bed.
Sleep Surface
Should have a firm mattress
It should be flat. Free of loungers, DockATot, boppy, etc.
It should be be over an arm’s length from any furniture, window, cords, etc.
Should not be shared with parents/siblings
BONUS RECOMMENDATIONS
Always put baby to sleep on their back for the entire 1st year.
Baby is allowed to sleep on their tummy if they roll there by themselves.
Offer a pacifier at both nap time and bedtime. (Significantly reduces the risk of SIDS)
If baby falls asleep on anyone that person should remain awake.
We hope you feel a bit more prepared when it comes to safe sleep. If you have any questions please leave a comment or contact us. We’d love to help!