Colin Snow
There are differing opinions on whether newborns can sleep with a bib on. Some sources say that it is unsafe due to the risk of choking or suffocation, while others suggest that it is safe as long as the bib is securely fastened and the baby is constantly supervised. Ultimately, it is up to the parent or caregiver to decide what they are comfortable with, but it is essential to prioritize the safety of the baby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | High risk of choking, suffocation, and strangulation |
| Official advice | Not available |
| Alternatives | Stick-on disposable bibs, bandana-style bibs, burp cloths, spare sleeping bags, zip-up baby-gros, muslin tucked around the mattress |
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What You'll Learn
Choking and suffocation hazards
Choking and suffocation are serious hazards associated with newborns wearing bibs while sleeping. The primary concern is that the bib could come loose and cover the baby's nose and mouth, blocking their airflow and leading to suffocation. This could happen if the bib is not properly secured or if the fastening mechanism fails. For example, a velcro fastening could potentially come undone, and a safety pin could come loose or break, both creating a risk of suffocation.
Additionally, there is a risk of choking if the baby were to roll over and have the bib end up around their neck. This could happen if the bib is not properly secured or if the baby becomes entangled in the bib while moving around in their sleep. Even if the bib is turned around, there is still a risk as there would be something around their neck, posing a choking hazard.
The risk of choking or suffocation is particularly high for newborns because they do not have the strength or coordination to move their head or body to free themselves if the bib becomes entangled or covers their face. It is recommended that bibs are removed from newborns before they are put to sleep, and that they are never left unattended while wearing a bib to mitigate these risks.
Some alternative solutions to manage sickness and reduce the need for frequent clothing changes include using a spare sleeping bag, a vest and a sleeping bag, or a zip-up baby-gro. A burp cloth or small sheet can also be tucked around the mattress under the baby's head to catch any sick.
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Safety precautions for newborns
It is not recommended to let a newborn sleep with a bib on, as it may pose a choking or suffocation hazard. Instead, you could try using a burp cloth, a spare sleeping bag, or a vest and a sleeping bag to deal with your baby's sickness.
Travelling
When taking your newborn home from the hospital, use a capsule or other suitable child restraint that faces the back of the car. Ensure that your baby travels in a child restraint at all times when in a vehicle. Babies under 6 months must be restrained in a rearward-facing child restraint when travelling.
Sleeping Environment
Provide a safe sleeping environment for your newborn by taking precautions to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), including SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and fatal sleep accidents. Keep fluffy toys and doonas out of the cot, and always put your baby to sleep on their back with their chin up and away from their body.
Household Hazards
Keep animals away from the newborn. Avoid drinking hot drinks when holding the baby to prevent scald burns. Always put the baby down on a safe surface, such as a changing table with raised edges, to prevent them from rolling off. Do not allow anyone to smoke in the house, in the car, or near the baby.
Hygiene
Newborns have very little protection against infection, so it is crucial to maintain a clean and hygienic environment. Ensure that everyone who handles the baby, including yourself, has washed their hands first. People with infections, such as colds, flu, or cold sores, should not come into contact with the newborn.
Development and Supervision
Understand your newborn's development to plan ahead for safety. Different risks may emerge as they develop new skills, and injuries can happen quickly. Supervise young children whenever they are near the baby, as they may imitate the actions of adults.
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Alternatives to bibs
While bibs are great for keeping your newborn's clothes clean and managing reflux, it is not recommended to let your baby sleep with a bib on due to choking and suffocation hazards.
Burp cloths or muslin squares
Burp cloths or muslin squares can be useful for wiping your baby's mouth and protecting their clothes during and after feeding. They can also be tucked around the mattress under your baby's head to absorb any spills or reflux.
Bandana bibs
Bandana-style bibs are quite short, so they are less likely to reach your baby's face. They have more fabric bunched up to absorb any spills or dribbles. Look for bandana bibs made with soft, absorbent materials like organic cotton muslin.
Vest and sleeping bag
Instead of a bib, you can dress your baby in a vest and a sleeping bag. Zip-up baby-gros or sleeping bags can make it easier to change your baby's clothes without fully undressing them.
Stick-on disposable bibs
These bibs have adhesive strips at the top and bottom to stick onto your baby's clothes, reducing the risk of choking or suffocation.
Raising the head of the cot
If your baby's reflux or spitting up is causing a lot of mess, try raising the head of the cot slightly. This can help reduce the flow of milk or stomach contents back up your baby's throat.
Larger bibs
If you're concerned about your baby's clothes getting messy during feeding, you can use a larger bib that provides full coverage. Look for bibs with an adjustable neck and a pocket at the bottom to catch any spills.
Remember, it's important to always supervise your baby while they are wearing a bib and to remove it before sleep.
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Bibs for newborns with reflux
While it is generally not recommended for newborns to sleep with a bib on due to safety concerns, reflux bibs can be a helpful solution for newborns with reflux to prevent spit-ups and reflux episodes during feeding. Reflux is common, with one in five babies suffering from it, and it can make feeding a challenging and messy event.
Reflux bibs are designed to meet the specific needs of newborns with reflux. They are made with highly absorbent materials on the front side, quickly soaking up liquids, spit-ups, and dribbles, and preventing them from reaching the baby's clothing. Many reflux bibs also have a distinctive waterproof backing, acting as a barrier to liquids and ensuring the baby remains dry and comfortable. This innovative design provides more coverage than regular bibs, extending to the shoulders and sides, offering complete protection from spills.
The adjustable closures on reflux bibs ensure a snug and comfortable fit around the baby's neck, reducing the risk of suffocation associated with loose-fitting bibs. However, it is still important to follow safety guidelines, such as always removing the bib while the baby is sleeping and never leaving them unattended while wearing one.
Some parents have found success with various types of bibs for their reflux babies. Snap bibs, for instance, can be useful during feedings as they absorb well and save the baby's clothes from getting soiled. Pullover towel bibs are also handy for car trips or when extra coverage is needed. For teething babies who tend to drool, bibs with a cloth front and plastic backing can be effective in managing drooling and spit-ups.
In addition to using reflux bibs, parents of newborns with reflux can benefit from other practical tips. These include winding and burping the baby during and after feeds to release air and reduce reflux, investing in multiple bibs to save outfit changes, and checking the baby's neck rolls for sick. It is also important to seek professional advice from a midwife, Health Visitor, or GP if reflux is a concern, as medication may be required in some cases.
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Advice from childcare professionals
Childcare professionals and parents alike advise against letting newborns sleep with bibs on. The primary concern is the risk of choking or suffocation, which can happen very quickly and can be fatal. Even if the bib is turned around or has a soft, velcro fastening, it still poses a risk. If the bib is turned around, there is still something around the baby's neck, and if it is left on normally, the bib could flap up and cover the baby's face.
If your newborn is very sickly, it is recommended to keep a change of clothes and bedding nearby to deal with any messes. You could also try using a spare sleeping bag or a muslin tucked around the mattress under your newborn's head to protect the mattress from any sick. A smaller sheet or giant muslin can be tucked around the mattress if your newborn sleeps in a bigger cot.
If you are concerned about your newborn choking or suffocating, you should speak to a healthcare professional for advice and guidance.
It is also important to keep bibs clean and hygienic. Fabric bibs should be cleaned after each use with a 30-degree wash and tumble dried on a low heat. Regularly check bibs for any damage, such as cracks in the material or changes in size and shape, and replace them every 4-6 weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to let a newborn sleep with a bib on due to the risk of suffocation and choking.
Some alternatives to a newborn sleeping with a bib on include using a cloth or muslin tucked around the mattress under the baby's head, using a spare sleeping bag, or using a bandana-style bib.
A heavier, adjustable bib with snap fasteners is the safest option for a newborn, as it can better fit the baby's neck and prevent suffocation.
It is recommended to replace a newborn's bib every 4-6 weeks, or when you notice any changes in the surface, size, shape, or cracks in the material.
Some signs that a newborn may be choking or suffocating while sleeping with a bib on include gagging, coughing, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your baby is choking or suffocating, remove the bib immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
