For the first few months of your baby’s life, they sleep – a lot. Newborns typically snooze around 16 hours a day, just not consecutively. You’ll both be awake every 3-4 hours for feeding and, of course, snuggles. As tempted as you might be to keep both eyes on them while they doze, that’s not realistic. After all, there are bottles to clean, coffees to drink, and if you’re a mom of many, toddlers to care for. Here are five safe sleep tips to keep in mind when it’s time to put baby down so you can get things done (or take a nap of your own).
1. Always place baby on their back to sleep.
Until your little turns one-year-old, place them on their back when you set them down for naptime or bedtime. If your baby rolls onto their stomach themselves, gently turn them back onto their back. Once they can roll over in both directions (typically around six months), you can let them sleep however is most comfortable for them.
2. Keep the crib or bassinet clear of any soft goods other than the mattress.
Your peanut might look cozy and adorable surrounded by all those blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals, but all those plush comforts can be a suffocation hazard when they’re little. Your baby and the mattress should be the only thing in their sleeping area.
3. Avoid bring baby into bed with you for sleeping.
Instead, keep baby close for their first six months by placing their crib or bassinet in the bedroom with you. This way you’re right there in case of any late-night emergencies and they can sleep safely and soundly in their own space. Many bedside bassinets even come with multiple height and side-to-side positions so you can pull baby right up to the bed next to you for peace of mind.
4. Dress your baby for sleeptime.
When dressing baby for sleep, remove any strings, tassels, or other hazards from their outfit, and make sure it’s weather appropriate. For fall or winter babies, opt for a wearable blanket or sleep sack instead of a blanket to keep the crib safe.
5. Make the room optimal for sleeping.
Babies sleep easier when the room they’re in is the perfect temperature, humidity, and light. Keep the temperature moderate (between 68° and 72°F), get a humidifier in the winter, and play soothing sounds to provide ambient noise for your sleepy angel.
No matter where you and your baby are on your journey, taking precautions to keep them safe while they sleep is especially important in their first year. So, use these tips and you and baby will both rest soundly. Until it’s time for another late-night feeding, that is.
