With the cold weather, I wanted to post about safe sleep habits for infants. It is so tempting to put blankets on our little ones to make sure they stay warm at night, but if they are under 1 year old, it can be dangerous and increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
I know that sometimes we get overwhelmed and excited with decorating their room and crib with stuffed animals and crib bumpers, but these items can create a harmful sleep environment for your child, so it is important to remember that plain and boring is best when they are little!
Some Safe Sleep Habits Include:
- Sleep on a Firm Surface
- Bed is Clear of Clutter (no blankets, toys, crib bumpers, pillows, etc.)
- Sleep in Same Room as Parents but Not in Same Bed
- Place to Sleep on Their Back
- Don’t Overdress (swaddling or sleep sacs are great) – sweating/overheating is dangerous
- Keep Room Temperature Around 68 Degrees
- Pacifiers at Naps and Bedtime Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS
Outside of these safe crib habits, there are other things we can do as parents to reduce the risk of SIDS like practicing tummy time daily, not smoking around the baby, or breastfeeding! Please take the time to click on the links below to learn more about ALL of the safe sleep guidelines. They are a quick, easy read. And if you ever have any questions at all about safe sleep practices, never hesitate to contact me.
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pubs/documents/safe_sleep_environment_rev.pdf (This link has a picture of what safe sleep should look like plus descriptions)
My Sons Crib
