Safe Sleep for Newborns
Hello to all the beautiful new moms out there! You've just embarked on an extraordinary journey full of challenges, love, and unique experiences. One of the biggest hurdles you may be facing right now is establishing a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your precious little one. No worries, we've got you covered! Here's everything you need to know.
Babies in their early days have yet to develop a concept of day and night. They sleep whenever they feel like it, often waking up frequently to feed due to their small stomachs that can't hold much breast milk or formula. So, don't be surprised when they're up and ready for a snack at all hours!
How much should your newborn be sleeping, you might ask? Well, according to the National Sleep Foundation, a newborn ideally should clock 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Some babies even manage to catch 18–19 hours of shut-eye a day!
In the early weeks, you'll notice your newborn waking up every couple of hours to eat. If you're breastfeeding, the frequency might be every 2–3 hours, while bottle-fed babies may feed a little less often, approximately every 3–4 hours.
If you notice your newborn sleeping for extended periods, it's a good idea to wake them up for a feeding session every 3–4 hours. This is especially crucial until they show healthy weight gain, which usually happens within the first few weeks. Once that's achieved, you can let them sleep for longer stretches at night.
Let's be honest, the first few months with a newborn can be tough for parents, with many nighttime awakenings to care for the baby. Each baby has a unique sleep pattern. While some start sleeping "through the night" (for 5–6 hours at a time) around 2–3 months, others might take a little longer.
So, where should your baby sleep? Many parents opt to share their room with their newborn in the early weeks. Room-sharing involves placing your baby's crib, portable crib, play yard, or bassinet in your bedroom, which allows for easier feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorses this practice but advises against bed-sharing, as it increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths.
Here are some vital guidelines to create a safe sleep haven for your baby:
Sleeping Position:
Always lay your baby on their back to sleep. Since this recommendation was made by AAP in 1992, SIDS rates have dramatically decreased.
Sleep Surface:
- Choose a firm, flat surface for sleep.
- Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet.
Crib Essentials:
Keep the crib free from toys, pillows, blankets, and other loose items to prevent potential suffocation.
Appropriate Clothing:
- Dress your baby as per the room temperature.
- Avoid overbundling and head coverings while they sleep.
- Look out for overheating signs, like sweating or the baby feeling hot to touch.
Smoking:
- Keep your baby away from smokers.
- Secondhand smoke increases SIDS risk.
Pacifiers:
Offer a pacifier during sleep time, but don't insist if the baby rejects it.
Safety Measures:
Be cautious of hazards such as cords, ties, or ribbons that could wrap around a baby's neck, sharp corners, or any reachable objects from a seated or standing position in the crib.
Approved Products:
Ensure your baby sleeps only on products designed for sleep and approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Remember, the journey of parenthood is beautiful, but it can also be challenging. Stay informed, be vigilant, and trust your instincts.
And that's a wrap for today, dear mamas! Please feel free to read more articles on our Mama Expert Pregnancy and Baby Care Blog. Your thoughts, experiences, and feedback matter to us! Don't forget to leave a comment and share your insights with our mom community.
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