Herbie Murray
Many new parents choose to co-sleep with their newborn babies, and it is one of the oldest and most popular methods of sleeping with a newborn worldwide. While co-sleeping can help with breastfeeding and bonding, it is important to remember that it is not always safe and there are several factors to consider when preparing a co-sleeping environment. This includes removing pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and other items that could obstruct a baby's airways and lead to suffocation. Additionally, it is recommended that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat, and level surface to ensure their airways remain open.
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What You'll Learn
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket
While co-sleeping is a popular method of sleeping with a newborn, it is important to ensure that you are creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket, in the same room as the parent. This arrangement allows the baby to be close to the parent while having their own safe sleep space.
To create a safe sleep environment, the baby should be placed on their back on a firm, flat, and level surface, in a clear space. The room should be well-ventilated and smoke-free, with a temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to remove any potential hazards, such as pillows, blankets, toys, or loose bedding, that could obstruct the baby's airways or lead to suffocation.
A safe cot or Moses basket should meet the current safety standards, with a firm, clean, flat, and appropriately-sized mattress. The bedding should be safe and free from any bulky or loose items. The cot should be positioned away from any hanging cords or blinds and kept clear of any potential strangulation risks, such as jewellery or teething necklaces.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid co-sleeping if the baby was born premature or with a low birth weight, or if the parent smokes, uses drugs or alcohol, or is extremely tired or unwell. By following these guidelines, parents can ensure that their baby has a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
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Babies should sleep on their back
When it comes to newborn babies, back sleeping is best. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health recommend that babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The "Back to Sleep" campaign, which began in 1994, has helped significantly reduce SIDS deaths in the United States.
Placing your baby on their back to sleep helps to keep their airways open. When a baby is sleeping on their back, the opening of the tube to the lungs (trachea or windpipe) sits on top of the opening of the tube to the stomach (esophagus). This means that any fluids that come up from the stomach have to work against gravity to get into the windpipe and cause choking. On the other hand, when a baby is sleeping on their stomach, the opening of the tube to the stomach is on top of the opening of the tube to the lungs, and gravity causes these fluids to collect at the opening of the tube to the lungs, making choking much more likely. Research has shown that even babies with gastroesophageal reflux should be placed on their backs to sleep.
It is important to note that if your baby turns over during sleep, you do not need to reposition them on their back. Once your baby is able to turn over unaided, their brain has developed enough that they will shift position if they experience any problems with breathing. However, it is recommended that you always place your baby on their back at the beginning of their sleep. The earlier you start placing your baby on their back, the more quickly they will adjust to the position.
To ensure a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your baby, make sure they are lying on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Do not cover them with loose bedding, such as a sheet, blanket, or quilt. Instead, dress them in enough sleep clothing to keep them comfortable throughout the night. Keep their bed clear of soft objects, such as pillows and stuffed toys, as these can be a suffocation risk. Additionally, make sure that your baby's bedroom remains at a comfortable temperature, as overheating has been suspected to play a role in SIDS.
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Keep the baby's sleep space clear of pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, etc
Keeping the baby's sleep space clear is an important part of creating a safe sleep environment. Soft objects and loose bedding can increase the risk of suffocation and sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).
To keep the baby's sleep space clear, remove pillows, sheets, blankets, toys, and other similar items. These items can pose a risk of suffocation if the baby rolls onto them or gets wrapped up during the night. For example, soft toys and pillows can quickly become unsafe if the baby rolls onto them. It is also important to keep the baby's head and face uncovered to ensure their airways remain open.
Instead of adult bedding, consider using a safe infant sleeping bag with a fitted neck and armholes (and no hood). This will ensure the baby's arms are outside of the bag and that they do not overheat. If you use a blanket instead, choose a cellular cotton blanket that will keep the baby warm while allowing airflow. Tuck the blanket in firmly, no higher than the baby's shoulders, and do not double it over as this can cause overheating.
In addition to keeping the sleep space clear, it is important to consider other aspects of the sleep environment. The room temperature should be comfortable for the baby, aiming for between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The mattress should be firm, flat, and level, and the baby should be placed on their back to sleep. It is also important to keep the sleep environment smoke-free, as exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke is harmful to babies.
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Avoid co-sleeping on a couch or chair
Co-sleeping on a couch or chair with a newborn is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Sofa-sharing or chair-sharing with a newborn can obstruct their airways and lead to suffocation. The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is 50 times higher for babies who sleep on a couch or armchair with an adult.
Newborns can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and cannot breathe. They can also get wedged between cushions, leading to entrapment and asphyxia. Pillows, sheets, blankets, and soft toys can quickly become unsafe if a baby rolls onto them or gets wrapped up during the night.
If you are breastfeeding your baby on the couch and feel that you might fall asleep, move to your bed. If you do fall asleep on the couch with your baby, be sure to move them to their own bed as soon as you wake up.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or bassinet, free from toys, blankets, and pillows. This helps lower the risk of SIDS. Loose bedding and pillows can also cover a baby's head and cause them to overheat.
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Keep the room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit
Keeping the room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit is important for creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn. This range ensures that the room is not too hot for your baby, reducing the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Maintaining a comfortable temperature for your baby is crucial. While you may enjoy being extra warm at night, it's important to prioritise your newborn's needs. A room that is too hot can be dangerous for your baby.
To achieve the ideal temperature, you can adjust your thermostat or use fans or air conditioners to regulate the temperature. It's also important to consider the type of bedding you use. Avoid using too many blankets or sleep sacks, as these can cause your baby to overheat. Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton.
Additionally, ensure that your baby's sleep space is clear and free from items that could contribute to overheating. Keep soft toys, pillows, and blankets away from your baby's sleep area. These items can increase the risk of suffocation and can also make it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket in the same room as their caregiver. If you choose to co-sleep, you should place your baby on their back, on a firm, flat and level surface, in a clear space next to one parent, away from the edge of the bed. The room should be kept between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit and be completely smoke-free.
Co-sleeping can be unsafe if your baby is at risk of falling out of bed, or if their head and face are covered by pillows, sheets, blankets, or other soft objects, which can obstruct their airways and lead to suffocation. It is not recommended to co-sleep if you are extremely tired, or if your baby is unwell or has a fever.
Newborns wake up frequently in the night, so it can be helpful to sleep when your baby sleeps. If you are breastfeeding, you can ask your partner to take over early morning changing and dressing so that you can get more sleep.
