Good sleeping habits are very much important for your baby’s health. And in order for your baby to have a good sleep, there are things to consider such as the place where he/she sleeps, his/her sleeping position, the crib or bed, type of mattress and sleeping environment.
One good sleeping habit is making sure that our babies have a safe sleeping environment. It actually lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or any kind of injury. SIDS is a condition where even a very healthy baby dies suddenly while sleeping. The cause is unknown even after an investigation and autopsy.
Sudden infant death syndrome is common in babies who sleep on their stomach. So, what is the best sleeping position for our babies?
Best sleeping position
It is best and safest to always place your baby on his/her back while sleeping – not on their back or sides. It is believed that an infant who sleeps on their backs gets more oxygen. One reason why sleeping on their stomach is not advisable is because babies can get suffocated if their mattress is too soft.
Other than letting our babies sleep on their backs, we must also make sure that there are no soft and yielding objects like pillows, stuffed toys, or bumper pads around them.
Safe environment
Soft objects such as pillows, stuffed toys, quilts, blankets, etc. are not safe for our babies. These things can cause blockage of air, suffocation, entrapment or strangulation. So make sure these stay out of baby’s sleep area.
Room sharing or Bed sharing?
It is more ideal to room share rather than to bed share during their first 6 months of life. Why? Room sharing, meaning you have separate sleeping spaces, ensures that there is no risk of suffocation or smothering. In the contrary, bed sharing is very risky. An adult can possibly roll over on top of the baby, which can lead to suffocation. Also, the baby can be smothered by the large pillows and heavy blankets that adults are using.
I am sure we all want our babies to be safe especially while they are unconscious and asleep. Just a reminder to all moms out there, to always think about the things that might happen and find ways to prevent them. Check all products that he/she will use and buy from trusted brands only.
If you mommies have some tips for our fellow moms who are currently setting up their baby’s sleeping environment, comment them below!
Until next time, mommykins…
