The Safest Sleeping Position for Your Infant
Parenthood comes with various questions about what’s best for your baby. What should they eat? How much sleep do they need? What milestones should they hit each month? It’s no secret that babies need plenty of rest as their young minds develop, and noting the safest sleeping positions for your infant will keep them secure while they’re counting sheep. Keep reading for more information about the safest baby sleep positions, plus which ones to avoid.
Safest Option: Sleeping on Their Back
When it comes to the safest sleeping positions for your infant, experts advise having your baby sleep on their back. This might raise some questions, especially if your parents said you slept on your tummy as a baby. However, science is constantly developing, and experts are always making new discoveries as they collect data, so things that were considered safe when you were a baby may not be now.
Ideally, babies should sleep on their backs because it lessens the risk of airway obstructions. Various baby sleep studies have concluded that babies sleeping on their backs are also less likely to overheat in the middle of the night, since their bodies can properly distribute heat this way.
Avoid: Sleeping on Their Belly or Side
Babies should not sleep on their bellies or sides, as both positions increase the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). There are several risk factors for t his condition . First, when babies sleep on their tummies, it may obstruct their airways, making it harder for them to breathe clean air. Secondly, babies who sleep on their stomachs may experience lower blood pressure, among other health risks, including increased ear infections and fevers.
Bonus Baby Sleeping Tips
There are a few other things to know about keeping your little one safe as they rest:
Check Their Crib
Your baby’s mattress should be firm and the sheets should be taut, preventing your baby from getting tangled or sinking into their bed. Check that there are no safety hazards in their crib, including choking risks. Remove any loose bedding and soft or corded toys, and never leave their pacifier attached to a ribbon in their crib, as both are choking hazards.
Don’t Sleep Together
Letting your baby cuddle up to you in bed can be tempting, especially when the two of you need a nap, but you should avoid this. The risk is that y ou could roll over in your sleep and hurt your infant, and newborns have no way to protect themselves if this occurs. Your baby is safest sleeping alone in their crib; if you have concerns, temporarily put their crib in your room so that you can monitor them.
Use Baby Sleeping Bags
Baby sleeping bags are the perfect options for a safe night of sleep. Woolino sells cozy, safe wearable baby blankets. A baby sleeping bag will keep your infant feeling secure, and it stays away from their face, eliminating the risk of suffocation. It also keeps them covered and comfortable through the night. . And a little one who sleeps throughout the night keeps the entire family well-rested and ready to conquer the day!