Evie Summers
Newborns follow their own schedule and sleep around the clock, waking every couple of hours to eat. They should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. For the first six months, it is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their caregiver, in a cot or Moses basket. The safest way for a newborn to sleep is on their back, on a firm, flat, and waterproof mattress. This sleeping position significantly reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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What You'll Learn
Newborns should sleep on their back, not their front or side
Newborns should always sleep on their back, on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. This is known as the supine position and is the safest way for babies to sleep. Research has shown that placing a baby on their back at the beginning of every sleep lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Babies who sleep on their front or side are at a higher risk of SIDS. Sleeping on their front or side also increases the risk of plagiocephaly, which is a flat area that develops at the back or side of the head. Therefore, it is best to make it a routine to place your baby on their back for every sleep, day or night.
It is important to keep the baby's cot or crib clear of items such as toys, pillows, and loose bedding, which could cover the baby's face and affect their breathing. A baby should always be placed in a clear, flat, and separate sleep space. The blanket should be tucked in firmly, no higher than the shoulders, and not doubled over, as this can cause overheating.
For the first six months, it is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their caregiver, in a separate cot or crib. This allows the caregiver to be close by for feeding or comforting. It is also important to keep the room at a moderate temperature to prevent the baby from overheating.
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They should sleep in the same room as their caregiver
Newborns don't have a sense of day and night and sleep around the clock, waking every couple of hours to eat. They should be getting 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
For the first six months of a baby's life, the safest place for them to sleep is in the same room as their caregiver. This can be in a cot, crib, Moses basket, or bassinet. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing. Bed-sharing increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.
If you are breastfeeding while lying down, make sure your baby cannot roll onto their front. Try to keep your baby on their back, or move them onto their back once they have been fed. If you’re thinking about bed-sharing, talk to your midwife, health visitor, or family nurse about how to reduce the risks for your baby. It’s never safe to share a bed with your baby if you or your partner have consumed alcohol or taken drugs, legal or illegal. Your baby should sleep separately in their cot in these situations.
It is also important to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. This includes a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a mattress in a cot or portacot, bassinet, baby box, or co-sleeper that meets the required safety standards. The mattress should be in good condition, firm, flat, and waterproof. The blanket should be tucked in firmly, no higher than the shoulders, and not doubled over as this can cause overheating. The room should be well-ventilated and neither too hot nor too cold.
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The room should be a comfortable temperature
When putting your newborn baby to sleep, it is important to ensure that the room is a comfortable temperature. Maintaining a moderate temperature in the room is crucial for your baby's comfort and safety. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Firstly, it is recommended to keep the room temperature between 16°C and 20°C, which is considered the standard range for a comfortable sleep environment. Adjust the heating or cooling systems accordingly, and ensure they are directed away from the baby. Avoid using electric blankets or hot water bottles in the baby's room. Additionally, maintain a 30-cm clear space around the cot to promote proper air circulation and prevent overheating.
Secondly, dress your baby in clothing that is warm but not hot. Layer their clothing according to the room temperature and the tog rating of their sleeping bag or blanket. For room temperatures between 16°C and 20°C, a 2.5 tog sleeping bag is generally recommended. If using blankets, ensure they are tucked in firmly, no higher than the baby's shoulders, and not doubled over to prevent overheating. Avoid putting a hat or beanie on your baby, as it can cause them to overheat quickly.
Breastfeeding is also essential in maintaining a comfortable temperature for your newborn. Research suggests that breastfeeding for at least two months lowers the risk of SIDS and continues to reduce the risk the longer it is maintained. Additionally, it is important to keep your baby smoke-free during pregnancy and after birth. Avoid smoking or exposing your baby to second-hand smoke, as it can increase the risk of SIDS.
Lastly, it is crucial to monitor your newborn's temperature regularly. Newborns wake up frequently to feed, and this provides an opportunity to check their temperature and adjust their clothing or the room temperature as needed. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your newborn sleeps comfortably and safely.
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The mattress should be firm, flat, and waterproof
The mattress should also be flat. A flat surface reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleeping pods or nests, which have raised or cushioned areas, are not recommended for this reason. A flat mattress should be used whether your baby sleeps in a cot, crib, Moses basket, or with you in your bed.
Waterproof mattresses are recommended because they are easier to clean and maintain. They are less likely to become stained or damaged by bodily fluids. A waterproof mattress protector can be used to cover a non-waterproof mattress.
When choosing a mattress, it is best to buy new rather than second-hand. However, you can reuse a mattress from your home as long as it has been stored somewhere clean, dry, and smoke-free.
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Blankets should be tucked in firmly, no higher than the shoulders
When putting your newborn to sleep, it is important to ensure that they are placed on their back and not on their front or side. Research has shown that placing your baby to sleep on their back lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To ensure your newborn sleeps safely, it is recommended to use a firm, flat, and waterproof mattress in good condition. The mattress should be new or stored in a clean, dry, and smoke-free environment if it has been used before. It is also important to keep the baby's head uncovered to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of SIDS.
When using blankets, they should be tucked in firmly and securely, no higher than the baby's shoulders, and not doubled over. Blankets should also not be used to keep the baby in one position unless advised by a healthcare professional. Instead, place the baby in a "'feet to foot' position, with their feet at the end of the cot or Moses basket, to prevent them from wriggling down and getting caught under the blankets.
Additionally, the sleep environment should be clear of any items that could cover the baby's face or affect their breathing, such as toys, bumpers, pillows, or loose bedding. It is also recommended to keep the room well-ventilated and maintain a moderate temperature to prevent overheating.
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Frequently asked questions
Place them in this position from day one, and keep this going for every sleep, day and night. It’s important to make this a routine, as babies who are normally slept on their backs but sometimes slept on their fronts are at a high risk of SIDS.
For the first 6 months, the safest place for a newborn to sleep is in a cot, crib, or Moses basket in the same room as the person looking after them, for all sleeps.
A safe sleep environment for your baby involves a firm, flat, and level surface, such as a mattress in a cot or portacot, bassinet, baby box, or pepi-pod. It should be free of any items that could cover their face, such as toys, and have a clear space of at least 30 cm around it.
Newborns should get 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Some newborns may sleep up to 18–19 hours a day.
It's important to keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. Try to keep the lights low and resist the urge to play with or talk to your baby. This will send the message that nighttime is for sleeping.
