Evie Summers
Sleep props, also known as sleep aids, sleep associations, sleep crutches, or sleep habits, are often used to help newborns sleep. While sleep aids are not inherently bad if used correctly and within safety guidelines, they can become a problem if the child becomes dependent on them. The use of sleep props for newborns is a controversial topic, with some sources recommending against it unless directed by a pediatrician, while others offer suggestions on how to prop up a newborn safely. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS, and if propped up, they should still be placed on their backs. This article will explore the various aspects of propping up a newborn to sleep, including safety considerations, common sleep props, and alternatives.
Characteristics and Values Table for Propping Up a Newborn to Sleep
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to prop up a newborn | When recommended by their pediatrician, or if the newborn has reflux or a blocked nose |
| How to prop up a newborn | Using a pillow, a rolled-up towel, or a wedge under the mattress to create a slight incline |
| Safety considerations | Ensure the pillow is large enough to prevent rolling over and suffocation, discontinue use once the baby reaches six months of age, and always follow safe sleep guidelines |
| Alternative sleep props | Pacifiers, rocking, nursing, co-sleeping with a bassinet, white noise machines, sleep sacks, and total darkness |
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What You'll Learn
Using a pillow to prop up a newborn
Propping up a newborn to sleep can be helpful in certain situations, such as when the baby has reflux or a blocked nose. However, it's important to do so safely, as improper propping can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Here are some tips for using a pillow to prop up a newborn:
Firstly, it is generally recommended to avoid placing pillows directly in the crib with a newborn. Instead, you can place a small, rolled-up towel or a very low pillow under the mattress to create a slight incline. This helps to keep the baby's airway flat, reducing the risk of breathing problems. Ensure that the incline is gradual rather than steep to prevent airway obstruction. Additionally, make sure the pillow is large enough so the baby can't roll over and suffocate.
If you do use a pillow in the crib, it's crucial to closely supervise the baby to prevent choking or suffocation. Always ensure that the baby's chest is rising and falling evenly, indicating comfortable breathing. Discontinue using a pillow once your baby can roll over on their own or reaches six months of age, as this can increase the risk of SIDS.
Nursing pillows, which are crescent-shaped, should only be used while the baby is feeding or awake. They are not recommended for propping up a baby to sleep in a crib or bassinet. This is because the baby could slide down, causing the neck to bend and block the airway.
When propping up a newborn to sleep, it's important to follow general safe sleeping guidelines for babies. The "back is best" campaign recommends that newborns sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. Additionally, avoid covering the infant's head or overheating them, and ensure they have plenty of supervised tummy time during waking hours to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles.
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Placing a wedge under the mattress
If your baby has reflux or a blocked nose, you can prop them up by placing a wedge under the mattress to create a slight incline. This method is safer than placing a pillow in the crib with the baby, as it keeps the airway clear. It is important to ensure that the wedge is breathable and kept clean. A gradual incline is safer than a steep wedge to ensure the baby's airway remains clear.
When using a wedge under the mattress, it is important to always place your baby on their back to sleep, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This will help to offset the risk of SIDS, which is higher in newborns before 6 months of age. It is also recommended to stay in the room or nearby when using a wedge to prop up your baby's mattress.
If you do not have a wedge, you can use a small towel rolled up to give a slight incline to the mattress. Another option is to prop your baby up on their side with a rolled-up towel behind them for support. This method is best for older babies with stronger necks who can turn their heads to the side if needed.
It is generally recommended to stop propping up your baby's mattress once they can roll over on their own. Additionally, if your baby struggles to breathe or has a stuffy nose, it is important to halt the use of the wedge.
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Co-sleeping with your newborn
Rooming-in promotes skin-to-skin contact, improves breastfeeding, and helps develop a healthy bond between the caregiver and the child. However, it is important to take precautions to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. For example, birth parents should be cautious about falling asleep while providing skin-to-skin contact, as this can create a dangerous situation.
Bed-sharing is not recommended for infants under one year old and is especially risky for preterm infants and those with low birth weight. If you choose to co-sleep, there are ways to make it safer. Ensure your baby sleeps on their back on a firm, flat, and level surface, in a clear space that is not too hot and smoke-free. Keep pillows, bedding, and other items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat away from your baby.
Additionally, avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smoke or consume alcohol or other drugs, including prescription medications that cause heavy sleep or impair your ability to respond to your baby. It is also best to avoid co-sleeping if your baby was born prematurely or with a low birth weight, or if they are unwell.
If you are bed-sharing, consider placing your baby on the side of the bed, away from the edge, and next to only one parent. Avoid placing your baby between parents or next to other children or pets to reduce the risk of suffocation. You can also place a cot, bassinet, or portable cot in the same room as you and keep your baby in there. This separate sleep space should be free from toys, blankets, and pillows, which can help lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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Using a pacifier
Pacifiers are a common tool used by parents to help their newborns sleep. They are considered a sleep prop, which is anything external that a child needs to fall asleep. While they can be effective in helping babies sleep, they can also cause sleep disturbances.
Pacifiers are associated with several benefits, particularly during a newborn's first six months. They can calm babies when they are feeling fussy or anxious and may relieve pain and ease crying during medical procedures. They are also helpful in calming babies in situations such as travelling on an aeroplane or after immunisations.
Research suggests that non-nutritive sucking, such as on a pacifier, may support healthy baby sleep. Using a pacifier during sleep appears to significantly lower a baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This may be due to several reasons. Pacifiers might make it harder for a baby to roll over onto their stomach, which is the riskiest position for SIDS. A pacifier also blocks a baby's face from accidentally getting too close to the mattress, pillow, or blanket. Additionally, sucking on a pacifier might help babies develop better nerve reflexes and breathing muscles, as well as stabilise their breathing and heart rate during sleep.
However, it is important to note that pacifiers can also have some negative effects. They can cause nipple confusion if introduced too early and interfere with successful breastfeeding. They can also be habit-forming, especially after the age of six months. If a baby becomes dependent on a pacifier to self-soothe, they may wake up and cry if it falls out during sleep. Additionally, using a pacifier for too long can interfere with a baby's incoming teeth and cause dental issues, ear infections, and oral yeast infections.
When deciding whether to use a pacifier to help your newborn sleep, it is important to consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks. While pacifiers can be a helpful tool, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of getting your baby to sleep. It is recommended to embrace prop-free sleep by 12 weeks of age to encourage healthy sleep habits and allow your baby to learn the skill of independent sleep.
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Creating a calming environment
Keep the room dimly lit and quiet
Turn down the lights or use a lamp to create soft lighting. Close the blinds or curtains to block out any external light sources. Maintain a quiet atmosphere by keeping the volume low on any necessary devices and avoiding loud conversations or activities nearby.
Establish a consistent routine
Develop a bedtime routine that includes calming activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, singing lullabies, or giving your baby a gentle massage. Consistency is key, so try to follow the same sequence of activities each night to signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Remove distractions and hazards
Ensure that the sleeping area is free of loose objects, toys, excess blankets, and other potential choking hazards. This is important for both safety and creating a calm, clutter-free space. Keep the crib or bassinet clear of any items that could distract or overstimulate your baby, allowing them to focus on relaxing and falling asleep.
Use white noise or soft music
White noise machines or soft, soothing music can help create a calming ambiance and block out any unexpected noises that might startle your baby. This can be especially helpful if you cannot always maintain a completely quiet environment.
Supervise your baby
If you choose to prop up your baby's mattress or use a pillow, it is important to supervise them, especially with newborns. Stay in the room or nearby to ensure their safety and respond to any potential needs. This is crucial during the first six months when the risk of SIDS is the highest.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends. While it's 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 newborn 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 your baby has reflux or a blocked nose, you can place a wedge under the mattress to put the whole sleeping surface on a slight incline. This is safer than placing a pillow in the crib with the baby. Make sure that the wedge is breathable and kept clean. You can also prop up your baby's head with a small, rolled-up towel.
Some alternatives to propping up your newborn to sleep include co-sleeping with a bassinet beside the bed, using a pacifier, rocking, nursing, or creating a calming environment by dimming the lights and keeping the room quiet.
