Colin Snow
There are many different opinions and methods for helping newborns sleep on their own. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep in their parents' bedroom for the first six months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, some studies have shown that babies who sleep independently in their own room from an early age tend to sleep longer and develop better sleeping habits. It is also important to put your baby to sleep in a safe position, on their back, without any loose bedding or toys that could cover their head.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where should a newborn sleep? | In their own crib or bassinet in their parent's bedroom. |
| How long should a newborn sleep in their parent's room? | At least the first six months to one year. |
| What are the benefits of room-sharing? | It helps prevent SIDS and supports breastfeeding. |
| What are the downsides of room-sharing? | Babies and parents get less sleep, and babies are more likely to end up in their parents' bed. |
| What are the safe sleep practices for newborns? | Put the baby in a base layer without socks, hats, or accessories. Use a sleep sack or swaddle instead of a blanket to keep them warm. Place mobiles 12 inches over the crib and remove them when the baby is 4-6 months old or starts to push up on their hands and knees. Avoid secondhand smoke, loose bedding, pillows, bumpers, fluffy bedding, and stuffed animals. Place the baby on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface. |
| How can you help your newborn sleep independently? | Put your baby in their cot when they are tired but still awake to help them settle by themselves. |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleeping positions to prevent SIDS
Newborns can sleep on their own, but it is important to ensure that they are in a safe sleeping position to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Here are some safe sleeping positions and practices to follow:
Room-Sharing
It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents, ideally for the first six months of their life. This arrangement is known as room-sharing and can help reduce the risk of SIDS. However, it is important to note that room-sharing can disrupt the sleep of both the baby and the parents. Additionally, babies who share a room with their parents are more likely to end up in their parents' bed during the night, which can increase the risk of SIDS.
Sleep Space
The baby should sleep in their own sleep space, such as a crib or bassinet, placed in the same room as the parents. The sleep surface should be firm, flat, and free from loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and other soft items. The baby should be placed in the feet-to-foot position, with their feet touching the end of the cot or bassinet.
Sleep Position
The baby should be placed on their back for all sleep times, both day and night. This position reduces the risk of SIDS and is recommended by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Once the baby can roll over onto their front and then back again on their own, there is no need to worry if they turn onto their tummy or side while sleeping.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is recommended as it can help reduce the risk of SIDS. If you are breastfeeding, consider offering a pacifier to your baby once feeding is well established, usually around one month.
Safe Babywearing
If you are wearing your baby in a sling or carrier, follow safe practices such as the "T.I.C.K.S." rules recommended by the UK Sling Consortium: Tight, In view, Close, Keep their chin off their chest, and Supported head.
Avoid Overheating
Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Dress your baby in lightweight layers and use lightweight, well-fitting baby sleeping bags. Check your baby regularly to ensure they are not too hot.
Avoid Smoke Exposure
Do not smoke during pregnancy or after the baby is born, and do not allow smoking around your baby. Exposure to cigarette smoke, both before and after birth, increases the risk of SIDS.
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The pros and cons of room-sharing
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing (but not surface-sharing) for the first 6 months, and ideally for the first 12 months, as it can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This is because babies' vital functions are regulated by their parents' presence, and they are more likely to wake up, which is critical in preventing SIDS.
Room-sharing also makes breastfeeding easier, as breast milk is digested faster than formula, meaning breastfed babies tend to eat more frequently. It can also help parents feel more secure.
However, room-sharing can lead to sleep deprivation for parents, which can cause marital problems, anxiety, and even Postpartum Depression. It can also be difficult for babies to transition to sleeping alone when they get older. Research shows that babies who room-share beyond 4 months are four times more likely to be brought into their parents' bed during the night, and twice as likely to have pillows, blankets, and other unsafe materials close by while sleeping, which increases the risk of SIDS.
Additionally, room-sharing may not allow parents to have intimate moments, which can negatively impact their relationship.
Ultimately, the decision to room-share should be made based on what is best for the baby and the family, and parents should work with their paediatrician to make an informed decision.
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Crib safety
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own crib or bassinet in their parents' bedroom for the first 6 to 12 months of their life. This arrangement helps to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and prevents suffocation.
- Place your baby on their back in the crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress.
- Ensure that the crib has no missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed screws, brackets, or other hardware.
- The crib slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (about the width of a soda can) to prevent the baby from getting trapped.
- Do not place pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillow-like bumper pads, or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib.
- Use a sleeper instead of a blanket, or if using a blanket, place the baby with their feet at the foot of the crib, and tuck the blanket around the crib mattress, covering only as high as their chest.
- Use a fitted bottom sheet specifically made for crib use.
- Avoid placing the crib near windows, drapes, or blind cords to prevent entanglement or falls.
- Do not hang toys by strings.
- Ensure that sleepwear and sheets are flame retardant.
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The impact of co-sleeping on parents
Co-sleeping, or bed-sharing, is a common practice worldwide. While it can have benefits, it also poses certain risks that parents should be aware of.
One of the main advantages of co-sleeping is the convenience it offers to parents, especially those who are breastfeeding. Having the baby close by at night makes it easier to respond to their needs and nurse them with minimal disruption to the parent's sleep. Co-sleeping can also foster a stronger bond between the parent and child, as physical closeness and skin-to-skin contact can promote emotional attachment.
However, co-sleeping has been associated with an increased risk of accidental death in babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the UK's National Health Service (NHS) advise against co-sleeping due to the risk of suffocation, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and other sleep-related deaths. According to the AAP's safe sleeping guidelines, infants should sleep alone on their backs in a crib or bassinet on a flat, firm mattress without any toys, crib bumpers, loose blankets, or positioners.
Co-sleeping with older children can also have potential drawbacks. It can lead to chronic sleep loss and disruptive sleep patterns for both parents and children, impacting their energy levels, memory, and overall well-being. Additionally, it can hinder the development of independent sleeping habits, as children may become reliant on their parents' presence at bedtime. This can affect their participation in age-appropriate activities such as sleepovers or overnight class trips.
Furthermore, co-sleeping with older children may be influenced by complex factors such as higher anxiety levels in children due to various societal and academic pressures. It can also impact the marital relationship and the psychological well-being of parents, as chronic sleep deprivation can make it challenging to resume control over nighttime routines and personal space.
In conclusion, while co-sleeping offers benefits in terms of convenience and bonding, it is essential to consider the potential risks and long-term impacts on both parents and children. Parents should make informed decisions in consultation with healthcare professionals, weighing the risks and benefits based on their family's unique circumstances.
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Helping your baby self-soothe
It is completely normal for newborns to wake up between one and three times per night. While some babies are good at soothing themselves back to sleep, others need more help. During the first three months, a baby's sleep rhythms are still maturing, and they may cry out during the night.
Understand your baby's sleep patterns and preferences
Just like adults, babies have different sleep preferences. Some are night owls, while others are early risers. Pay attention to your baby's sleep patterns and be open to adjusting your routines. The most common reason a baby struggles to self-soothe is that their caregiver continues to resettle them instead of letting them do it independently. As a result, the baby starts to associate falling asleep with the presence of their caregiver and relies on them to get back to sleep.
Learn to recognise the signs that your baby is tired
Babies from 0 to 3 months might start showing signs of tiredness after 30 minutes of being awake. From 3 to 6 months, they might be tired after 1.5 to 3 hours of being awake. Routines and environments play a big part in helping babies get to sleep. Putting your baby in their cot when they are tired but still awake helps them learn to settle by themselves and prevents them from relying on external methods to fall asleep.
Make night and day different
At night, be soothing and quiet when you're with your baby. Keep playtime for the daytime. Putting your baby to bed drowsy but awake can help them learn to associate falling asleep with being in bed alone, which aids in self-soothing. Babies who can self-soothe sleep for longer periods and have longer total sleep times at night.
Try a pacifier
A pacifier might help your baby sleep through the night and could also help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Room-sharing
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the best place for a baby to sleep is in their parents' bedroom, in their own crib or bassinet. Room-sharing can help prevent SIDS and support breastfeeding. However, it is important to note that babies who room-share tend to sleep less and are more likely to end up in their parents' bed during the night, increasing the risk of suffocation.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns sleep in their own crib or bassinet in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months to one year of their life. This arrangement helps to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and supports breastfeeding.
Newborns can sleep independently in their crib or bassinet, which should be placed in their parents' bedroom. However, it is important to note that newborns should not be left to sleep entirely on their own. They should be monitored by a caregiver to ensure their safety.
Room-sharing with your newborn can help prevent SIDS and facilitate breastfeeding. It provides easy access for feeding and comfort during the night, which is essential for newborns who need to feed frequently.
Bed-sharing, where a baby shares the same sleeping surface as another person, is not recommended by the AAP due to safety concerns. It can increase the risk of SIDS and accidental injuries, such as a parent rolling over onto the baby. Additionally, bed-sharing can disrupt the sleep of both the parents and the baby, leading to sleep deprivation.
It is important to establish a consistent bedtime routine for your newborn. Recognize the signs of tiredness, such as yawning or rubbing their eyes, and put them in their crib when they are tired but still awake. This helps your baby learn to self-soothe and fall asleep independently.
