Herbie Murray
Sleep props are objects or rhythms that help us fall asleep. For newborns, sleep props can include co-sleeping, pacifiers, rocking, nursing, cuddling, holding, motion, sound, and food. While sleep props are not inherently bad if used correctly and within safety guidelines, they can become problematic if a child struggles to fall asleep without them. Newborns can sleep on a slight incline as long as they are on their back, and this can help with reflux or breathing problems. However, it is important to ensure that any sleep prop does not increase the risk of SIDS or choking.
Can you prop a newborn up to sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Propping a newborn up to sleep | Safe if done correctly |
| Reasons to prop a newborn up to sleep | To alleviate reflux or breathing problems |
| Safe ways to prop a newborn up to sleep | Place a wedge under the mattress to create a slight incline |
| Unsafe ways to prop a newborn up to sleep | Loose objects such as toys, excess blankets, and pillows |
| When to stop propping a newborn up to sleep | Once the baby can roll over on their own |
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What You'll Learn
Propping a newborn up to sleep on their back
Firstly, it is recommended to use a slight incline, usually about 12 degrees, to elevate the baby's head and upper body. This can be achieved by placing a wedge or a small rolled-up towel under the mattress, ensuring that the wedge is breathable and clean. A gradual incline is safer than a steeper one to maintain a clear airway. Additionally, make sure that there are no loose objects, such as toys or excess blankets, in the crib or bassinet that could pose a choking hazard.
Secondly, if using a pillow to prop up the newborn, choose a large pillow to prevent the baby from rolling over and suffocating. It is also crucial to supervise the baby and ensure they don't choke on the pillow. Discontinue using the pillow once the baby reaches six months of age or can roll over on their own, as this can increase the risk of SIDS.
Thirdly, pay close attention to the baby's breathing. If their chest is not rising and falling evenly, or if they are struggling to breathe due to a stuffy nose, discontinue using the propping method and consult a pediatrician. It is also important to trust your instincts and never hesitate to seek professional advice if something seems wrong.
Lastly, while propping a newborn up to sleep on their back can be beneficial in certain cases, it is not necessary for most babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns sleep on their backs, and propping should only be done if specifically advised by a pediatrician. Creating a consistent and calming bedtime routine, maintaining a quiet and dark environment, and establishing good sleep habits from an early age can also contribute to better sleep for newborns.
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Using a pillow to prop a newborn up to sleep
Propping up a newborn to sleep with a pillow can help with reflux or other breathing problems. It can also help to take the pressure off their delicate neck and spine. However, it is generally not recommended to let a baby sleep in a position that increases their risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
If you decide to prop up your newborn with a pillow, it is important to ensure the pillow is large enough so that the baby cannot roll over and suffocate. You should also keep an eye on the baby to ensure they are not in danger of choking on the pillow. It is recommended to stop using a pillow to prop up the baby once they reach six months of age, as this can increase the risk of SIDS.
There are alternative methods to propping up your newborn with a pillow. One method is to place a rolled-up towel or a very low pillow under the mattress to slightly raise the baby's head. This method helps to ensure the baby's airway remains flat, reducing the risk of occlusion. Another option is to place a wedge under the mattress to put the sleeping surface on an incline. If using a wedge, it is important to ensure it is breathable and kept clean. A gradual incline is safer than a steeper wedge to ensure the baby's airway is kept clear.
If your baby has a mild cold or is unwell, it is best to help them get better first before attempting to prop them up to sleep.
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Using a wedge under the mattress to prop a newborn up to sleep
Propping a newborn up to sleep is generally not recommended as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, in certain cases, such as when the baby has reflux or a blocked nose, propping them up can help with breathing and make it easier for them to sleep.
If you decide to prop up your newborn, it is important to ensure that the sleeping surface is on a slight incline, rather than placing a pillow or wedge directly in the crib with the baby. One way to achieve this is by placing a wedge under the mattress. This method is especially recommended for babies with reflux, as gravity helps keep milk down and prevents acid reflux.
When using a wedge under the mattress, it is crucial to choose a breathable wedge and keep it clean. Opt for a gradual incline rather than a steep one, as this ensures that the baby's airway remains clear. Always use wedges and sleep positioners under supervision, and discontinue their use once your baby can roll over on their own.
In addition to wedges, there are other safe sleep props that can aid newborns in sleeping. These include pacifiers, swaddling, white noise, darkness, rocking, nursing, cuddling, and motion. It is important to note that sleep props can become problematic if your baby becomes dependent on them and struggles to sleep without their presence. Therefore, it is recommended to gradually eliminate sleep props as your baby gets older, following appropriate safety guidelines for their age.
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Sleep props for newborns
Sleep props, also known as sleep aids, sleep associations, sleep crutches, or sleep habits, are objects or rhythms that help us fall asleep. For newborns, sleep props are often necessary because they are not developmentally ready to self-soothe. Newborns have a strong sucking reflex, so pacifiers are commonly used to help them get drowsy, fall asleep, and connect sleep cycles. Other sleep props for newborns include rocking, nursing, cuddling, holding, motion, sound, and feeding.
While it is generally not recommended to let a baby sleep in a position that puts them at risk for SIDS, there are some cases where propping up your baby with a pillow can be helpful. For example, if your baby has reflux or trouble sleeping on their back, sleeping propped up can help them breathe better and get more restful sleep. If you do choose to prop your baby up with a pillow, it is important to ensure the pillow is large enough so that the baby cannot roll over and suffocate. It is also crucial to keep an eye on the baby to ensure they are not in danger of choking on the pillow.
Sleep props can become a problem if your child struggles to fall asleep without them. For example, if your baby relies on a pacifier to sleep through the night and cannot settle if it falls out, this is not a sustainable long-term solution. Similarly, if your baby likes to be rocked to sleep, you may need to comfort them throughout the night when they wake up. If you are concerned about your baby's reliance on a sleep prop, you may need to start phasing it out gradually. For example, if your baby relies on being rocked to sleep, you can slowly reduce the amount of rocking each night until they can fall asleep without it.
To avoid sleep props altogether, you can try setting a good groundwork for sleep by monitoring sleep cues and wake times, having an early bedtime, and establishing a pre-sleep routine. A consistent routine will help your child understand when it is time to sleep. This might include a bath, reading a book, singing a lullaby, or a baby massage. Creating a calming environment is also fundamental in helping your baby drift off. This can include dimming the lights, closing the blinds or curtains, and keeping the room quiet.
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Phasing out sleep props for newborns
Sleep props are objects or rhythms that help us fall asleep. They can be categorised into two types: sleep props that a child can control and sleep props that a child depends on a caregiver to provide.
For newborns, the following sleep props are generally considered good: pacifiers, rocking, nursing, cuddling, holding, motion, sound, and food. The only thing to avoid is bed-sharing, as it is unsafe.
As your baby gets older, you may want to start phasing out certain sleep props. For example, pacifiers are generally considered good for newborns but should be avoided for babies over four months old. This is because, at this age, babies are developmentally capable of rolling around on their own and transitioning to self-soothing behaviours such as sucking their thumbs.
If your child is struggling to sleep without a sleep prop and you would like to start phasing it out, gradual elimination is recommended. For example, if your child relies on being rocked to sleep, slowly reduce the amount of rocking each night until they can fall asleep without it. Moving bedtime earlier can also help when trying to phase out a sleep prop, as this gives your child more time to get used to the new routine.
Additionally, creating a consistent and calming bedtime routine can help your child understand when it's time to sleep. This might include activities such as a bath, reading a book, singing a lullaby, or a baby massage. Ensuring a quiet, dark environment can also help your child drift off to sleep more easily.
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Frequently asked questions
Propping a newborn up to sleep is generally not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS. However, in certain cases, such as when the baby has reflux or a mild illness, propping them up on a slight incline can aid breathing and sleep. It is important to ensure that any props used are safe and do not pose a choking or suffocation hazard.
One safe way to prop up a newborn for sleep is to place a wedge or a rolled-up towel under the mattress to create a slight incline. This helps to keep the baby's airway clear and is preferred over placing a pillow in the crib. It is also recommended to supervise the baby and ensure they remain on their back while sleeping.
Some alternatives to propping up a newborn with pillows or wedges include using sleep sacks, white noise, total darkness, pacifiers, rocking, nursing, and cuddling. These methods can help soothe and comfort the baby without the potential risks associated with propping.
To determine if your newborn is comfortable sleeping propped up, observe their chest movement. If their chest rises and falls evenly, it indicates comfortable breathing. Additionally, if they seem calm and sleep soundly, it suggests they are comfortable with the arrangement.
It is generally recommended to discontinue propping up a newborn to sleep once they can roll over on their own. Additionally, it is advised to stop using a prop by the time the baby reaches six months of age, as the risk of SIDS decreases significantly after this period.
