Herbie Murray
The arrival of a newborn baby brings a lot of joy, but also a lot of questions for new parents. One of the most important topics is sleep—both for the baby and the parents. Newborns sleep around the clock, waking up every few hours to eat, and need a safe space to do so. But does it matter where your newborn sleeps? The answer is yes, and there are several factors to consider when choosing a sleep space for your baby. Safety is the top priority, followed by convenience and comfort for both the baby and the parents.
Where should a newborn sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Newborns' sleep duration | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. |
| Newborns' sleep pattern | Newborns don't have a sense of day and night. They sleep and wake up to eat throughout the day and night. |
| Newborns' sleeping place | The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep in their parents' room for at least six months to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). |
| Newborns' sleeping position | Always sleep your baby on their back in a clear cot or sleep space (free of bumpers, toys, and pillows). |
| Newborns' sleeping products | Make sure all sleep surfaces and products have been approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and meet federal safety standards. |
| Newborns' sleeping environment | Keep the newborn's sleeping environment smoke-free. Breastfeeding can also protect the baby and lower the risk of SIDS. |
| Newborns' sleeping challenges | Overly tired infants may have trouble sleeping. Swaddling, rocking, and singing can help soothe a crying baby. |
| Newborns' sleeping safety | Avoid bed-sharing if either caregiver or newborn is under the influence of drugs or medication. Ensure the baby won't overheat, and keep their head uncovered during sleep. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The importance of room-sharing for the first six months
The arrival of a newborn baby brings a lot of joy and a lot of new responsibilities. One of the most important decisions new parents have to make is where their baby will sleep.
Room-sharing with your newborn for the first six months is important for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a sense of security and comfort for the baby. Newborns do not yet have a sense of day and night, and they wake up frequently to feed. By room-sharing, parents can easily hear and respond to their baby's needs, whether it's feeding time, a diaper change, or simply offering comfort. This close proximity can promote bonding and help parents become more attuned to their baby's cues.
Secondly, room-sharing can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing for the first six months, or ideally, the first year. Studies have shown that having your baby in the same room as you can decrease the risk of SIDS. This recommendation emphasizes that the baby should sleep in the same room but not in the same bed as the parents, as bed-sharing can increase the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
Additionally, room-sharing can make breastfeeding easier. Breastfed babies feed more frequently than formula-fed babies, and room-sharing allows mothers to quickly respond to their baby's hunger cues without having to get up and go to another room. This can promote a more restful sleep for both mother and baby.
However, it's important to note that room-sharing may not work for everyone. Some babies over six months old may experience more night wakings when room-sharing because they become more aware of their surroundings. Additionally, some parents may find that having their baby in the bedroom strains their relationship or contributes to sleep deprivation. In such cases, it's essential to weigh the risks and benefits and make a decision that works best for their family.
Overall, room-sharing for the first six months can provide numerous benefits, including increased security, reduced SIDS risk, and easier breastfeeding. However, it's crucial to prioritize safe sleep practices, such as using a separate sleep surface for the baby and creating a calm and soothing environment to promote healthy sleep habits for the entire family.
How Newborns Learn Language as They Sleep
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Safe sleep surfaces and products
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep in their parents' room for at least six months, and ideally for a year. This is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The Lullaby Trust promotes the ABCs of safer sleep:
- ALWAYS sleep your baby on their BACK in a CLEAR cot or sleep space (free of bumpers, toys and pillows).
- The cot or Moses basket should have a firm, flat, waterproof mattress that is in good condition.
- Keep your baby's head uncovered – if they have a blanket, it should be tucked in no higher than their shoulders.
- Place your baby in the 'feet to foot' position, with their feet at the end of the cot or Moses basket.
- The Lullaby Trust recommends that any monitor you buy in the UK should have a certified medical device mark (CE or UKCA).
- The Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommends that fixed sleeping surfaces meet British safety standard BSEN716, and that vertical slats are no more than 6.5cm apart.
- Cots made before 1973 may have lead-based paint, which is toxic.
- If you use a sleeping bag, ensure it fits well around the shoulders so that your baby's head cannot slip down into the bag.
- If you swaddle your baby, don't swaddle too tight and check your baby's temperature to make sure they do not get too hot.
- If you use a baby sling or carrier, find one that supports the development of your baby's spine, neck and hips. Your baby's weight should be evenly distributed with the sling fitting well across your shoulders, hips and back. You should be able to see your baby, and they should be held tightly against your body, with their chin free to breathe easily.
- Avoid bedsharing if either of you has taken drugs, or any medication that makes you sleepy.
- If you do bedshare, make sure there are no pillows or duvets that might cover the baby's face or make them too warm.
- If you're using a bassinet, crib or co-sleeper, make sure your baby's sleeping spot has a wide base so it's not easy to knock over. It should also have a firm mattress with a snug fit and sides that are at least 15 inches high (measured from the mattress base).
Swaddling Newborns: Safe Sleep After Hospital Discharge?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Swaddling and other soothing techniques
Swaddling is a soothing technique that involves wrapping a baby in a light blanket to restrict their movement. It is designed to mimic the snug environment of the womb, providing a sense of safety and security. Swaddling can help to soothe a crying baby and promote sleep by reducing the startle reflex, which often wakes babies up. It is generally safe to swaddle your baby during their first few months, but it is important to know when to stop. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends stopping once your baby is able to roll over, which is typically around 4 to 7 months of age. When swaddling, it is important to use the proper technique, with the baby's arms placed straight down by their sides, and to choose breathable fabrics such as cotton or muslin to prevent overheating.
In addition to swaddling, there are other soothing techniques that can help calm a newborn. White noise, shushing, swinging, sucking, and holding your baby in the side or stomach position are all recommended by Dr. Harvey Karp, a renowned pediatrician. These techniques, known as the 5 S's, activate a baby's calming reflex, a neurological response that develops before birth. Creating a calm and quiet environment during nighttime feedings and diaper changes can also help soothe a newborn. Keeping the lights low and avoiding playing or talking with the baby reinforces the message that nighttime is for sleeping.
Another soothing technique for newborns is the use of a bassinet, crib, or cosleeper that provides a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. The SNOO bassinet, for example, has been designed by Dr. Karp and features a unique swaddle attachment that keeps babies safely sleeping on their back. It also incorporates womb-like sounds and motion to calm crying and boost sleep. When choosing a sleeping spot for your newborn, it is important to prioritize safety by selecting products that meet federal safety standards and do not pose risks such as restricted breathing or the risk of being knocked over.
Cradling Your Newborn While Sleeping: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The risks of bed-sharing
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) strongly recommend against bed-sharing with a newborn. This is because bed-sharing can increase the risk of sleep-related infant death under certain circumstances.
The AAP states that bed-sharing is especially risky if a parent is very tired, has been smoking, drinking alcohol, or has taken drugs. In these cases, parents may accidentally roll on top of their baby, or the baby may be at risk of suffocation from pillows or soft bedding.
However, some healthcare professionals claim that bed-sharing can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) if done safely. UNICEF's Baby Friendly Initiative provides recommendations for safer bed-sharing, including keeping infants away from pillows and ensuring they cannot fall out of bed or become trapped between the mattress and wall.
Some cultures even consider it cruel to separate a mother and baby at night. Bed-sharing is a tradition in at least 40% of all documented cultures, and in countries where it is common practice, such as Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe, SIDS rates are at their lowest.
While bed-sharing can be dangerous, it is also a personal choice for parents. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding whether or not to bed-share with a newborn.
Newborn's Crib Sleep Refusal: Why and What to Do?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How much sleep newborns need
Newborns generally sleep between 12 and 19 hours a day. However, this is typically in very short segments of 1 to 2 hours, or even less, as they need to be fed or changed. Newborns don't have a sense of day and night and don't have established sleep-wake rhythms. They will wake every couple of hours to eat—breastfed babies feed about every 2 to 3 hours, while bottle-fed babies feed every 3 to 4 hours.
It's important to create positive sleep associations for your newborn. Some settling techniques, such as holding your baby until they fall asleep, can create a negative sleep association, resulting in them needing to be held to fall asleep. Instead, try swaddling (wrapping the baby in a light blanket), rocking, cuddling, and singing as your baby settles down. You can also play soft music while your baby is getting sleepy.
It's recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months of life, as this reduces the risk of SIDS. The sleeping spot should have a wide base so it's not easy to knock over, a firm mattress with a snug fit, and sides that are at least 15 inches high. It's also important to always place your baby on their back to sleep, never on their tummy or side.
Sleep Schedules: Newborns and Their Normal Sleep Patterns
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborns sleep in their parents' room for at least six months, and ideally for a year to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The Lullaby Trust promotes the ABCs of safer sleep, which includes sleeping babies on their backs in a clear cot or sleep space.
Safe sleep spots for newborns include a cot, Moses basket, or bassinet. The Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommends that any fixed sleeping surface meets the British safety standard BSEN716.
Unsafe sleep spots for newborns include living room furniture, car seats, infant carriers, inclined sleepers, and poorly designed slings.
To create a safe sleep environment, ensure that the sleeping surface is firm, flat, and waterproof. Keep the baby's head uncovered, and if using a blanket, tuck it in no higher than their shoulders. Place the baby in the 'feet to foot' position at the end of the cot or Moses basket.
It is important to follow safe sleep practices, such as avoiding bedsharing if either caregiver or baby is under the influence of drugs or medication that causes drowsiness. Keep soft objects, pillows, and loose bedding away from the baby's sleep area to reduce the risk of SIDS.
