Ashwin Lewis
Creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn is crucial to prevent accidental suffocation and lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While you may be inclined to elevate your newborn's sleep surface, it is important to know that this practice is not recommended. In fact, surfaces that elevate both the baby's head and feet, such as a hammock, can increase the risk of positional asphyxia. So, what is the best way to ensure your newborn sleeps safely?
Is it okay for my newborn to sleep elevated?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleep position for newborns | On their back on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress |
| Safe sleep environment | In the same room as the parents for the first six months |
| Safe sleep surface | Firm, flat, and level |
| Unsafe sleep surfaces | Soft surfaces, couches, sofas, waterbeds, memory foam, air or pillow-top adult mattresses, quilts, blankets, sheepskins, hammocks, car seats, strollers, and sitting devices |
| Risk of sleeping on unsafe surfaces | Positional asphyxia, accidental suffocation, and strangulation |
| Risk of SIDS | Particularly high for babies who are usually placed on their back to sleep but are sometimes placed on their front or side |
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What You'll Learn
Safe sleep positions for newborns
It is not advisable to let newborns sleep elevated. The safest sleep position for a baby is on their back on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. This position is known as the supine position and is recommended for all sleep times, including naps and at night, as it significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths like accidental suffocation.
Babies who sleep on their front or side have a greater risk of SIDS, and sleeping on soft surfaces, like couches, sofas, or adult mattresses, is also unsafe. Car seats, strollers, and sitting devices are not recommended as regular sleep spaces, and if a baby falls asleep in one of these devices, they should be moved to their regular sleep space as soon as possible.
Babies who are born prematurely and spend time in a neonatal unit may be placed on their fronts for medical reasons, but this should be discontinued once they are discharged, and they should sleep on their backs at home. It is important to make this a routine, as babies who are sometimes placed on their fronts or sides have a higher risk of SIDS.
Once a baby can move themselves from their back to their front and back again, they will be able to find their own sleeping position. Until then, it is recommended to place them on their back for every sleep, day or night, to ensure they are sleeping as safely as possible.
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Safe sleep surfaces
It is critical to create a safe sleep environment for newborns to reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Here are some guidelines for ensuring safe sleep surfaces for newborns:
Firm and Flat Surface
It is recommended that newborns sleep on a firm and flat surface. A firm mattress, such as one that quickly returns to its original shape when pressed on, provides a safer sleep surface and helps reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation. Soft surfaces, such as memory foam, waterbeds, quilts, blankets, and pillows, should be avoided as they can increase the risk of sleep-related deaths.
Sleep Position
The recommended sleep position for newborns is on their back, known as the supine position. Research has shown that sleeping on the back reduces the risk of SIDS compared to sleeping on the front or side. It is advised to place newborns on their back for every sleep, day or night, until they can roll over and adjust their sleeping position independently.
Avoid Inclined or Elevated Surfaces
Inclined or elevated sleep surfaces, such as hammocks or props under the mattress, should be avoided. These positions can increase the risk of positional asphyxia, as they may block the baby's airway and cause suffocation. It is important to keep the sleep surface flat, level, and uninclined.
Separate Sleep Space
Newborns should have their own separate sleep space, such as a crib or a cot. They should not sleep in the same bed, couch, or armchair as adults or pets. Car seats, strollers, and sitting devices are also not recommended as regular sleep spaces. If a baby falls asleep in one of these devices, they should be moved to their regular sleep area as soon as possible.
Room-Sharing
For the first six months, it is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their caregivers. Room-sharing can decrease the risk of SIDS and is safer than bed-sharing. It allows caregivers to be close by and provide supervision while the baby sleeps.
Creating a safe sleep environment for newborns is crucial to ensure their well-being and reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents. By following these guidelines for safe sleep surfaces and maintaining a safe sleep area, caregivers can help protect their newborns and provide a more secure sleeping environment.
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Safe sleep environments
A safe sleep environment is essential to maintain your baby's health and safety. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure your newborn sleeps in a secure and comfortable space:
Safe Sleep Surfaces:
The sleep surface, or mattress, should be firm, flat, and level. A firm mattress will quickly return to its original shape when pressed on, reducing the risk of suffocation. Avoid soft mattresses or surfaces like memory foam, waterbeds, quilts, or blankets, as they can obstruct your baby's breathing and increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Ensure the mattress is covered with a tight-fitting sheet and a waterproof mattress protector that is not padded or soft.
Sleep Position:
The recommended sleep position for newborns is on their back, known as the supine position. This position keeps your baby's airways open and reduces the risk of SIDS. It is advised to place your baby on their back for every sleep, day or night, from the very first day. Once your baby can move and roll over by themselves, they will be able to find their own comfortable sleeping position.
Sleep Space:
Keep the sleep space clear of any items that could pose a hazard. If your baby is in a cot, ensure there is a 30-cm clear space around it, free from plastic bags, blind cords, mosquito nets, and electrical cords. If co-sleeping, ensure there is enough space for everyone, with a clear area around the baby. The sleep environment should be smoke and vapour-free, as exposure to these can increase the risk of SUDI.
Additional Considerations:
Car seats, strollers, and sitting devices are not recommended for regular sleep or naps. If your baby falls asleep in one of these devices, move them to their regular sleep space as soon as possible. It is also advised that babies sleep in the same room as their parents or caregivers for the first six months to ensure constant supervision.
Remember, creating a safe sleep environment is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related accidents. Always follow the recommendations and guidelines provided by trusted healthcare organizations and professionals.
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Safe sleep locations
It is important to create a safe sleep environment for your newborn to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths, such as accidental suffocation. Here are some guidelines for safe sleep locations for your newborn:
Sleep on a flat surface: It is recommended that your newborn's sleep surface should be flat, firm, and level. Avoid elevating your newborn's head or feet, as it can increase the risk of positional asphyxia. A flat, firm mattress that returns to its original shape quickly when pressed on is ideal. Keep the mattress bare with just a fitted sheet covering it.
Sleep on the back: The safest sleeping position for your newborn is on their back, known as the supine position. Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, day or night. Sleeping on the back significantly lowers the risk of SIDS. Once your baby can move and roll over by themselves, they will be able to find their own sleeping position.
Avoid soft surfaces: Soft surfaces, such as couches, sofas, waterbeds, memory foam, air or pillow-top mattresses, quilts, blankets, and sheepskins, are not safe for newborns. These soft surfaces increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation. Always place your baby on a firm, flat surface.
Share a room: For the first six months, it is recommended that your newborn sleeps in the same room as you. This allows you to be close by and monitor your baby's sleep. However, it is important to maintain a separate sleep surface for your baby within the same room.
Use a crib or cot: A crib or cot that meets safety standards is an ideal sleep location for your newborn. Keep the crib or cot clear of any items such as toys, pillows, or loose bedding that could cover your baby's face and obstruct their airways.
Avoid sitting devices: Car seats, strollers, and sitting devices are not recommended for your newborn's regular sleep or naps. If your baby falls asleep in one of these devices, move them to their regular sleep space as soon as possible.
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Safe sleep equipment
It is not advisable to let your newborn sleep elevated. A baby's sleep surface should be firm, flat, and level. Even though a crib with nothing but a fitted sheet covering the mattress may seem sparse, it is the safest option for your baby.
- The sleep surface should be firm: it should quickly return to its original shape if pressed on.
- The surface should be flat, like a table, and not a hammock.
- The surface should be level and not at an angle or inclined.
- Avoid soft surfaces, such as couches, sofas, waterbeds, memory foam, air or pillow-top adult mattresses, quilts, blankets, and sheepskins.
- Do not let your baby sleep on an adult bed, couch, or armchair by themselves, with others, or with pets. Couches and armchairs are especially dangerous if an adult falls asleep on them while feeding or comforting the baby.
- Car seats, strollers, and sitting devices are not recommended as a baby's regular sleep or nap space. If your baby falls asleep in one of these devices, move them to their regular sleep space as soon as possible.
Creating a safe sleep environment can help reduce your baby's risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths, such as accidental suffocation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not recommended for newborns to sleep on an elevated surface. The best way to ensure your baby's safety is to place them on their back on a flat, firm, and waterproof mattress. Surfaces that elevate a baby's head and feet, such as a hammock, increase the risk of positional asphyxia and accidental suffocation.
The safest way for a newborn to sleep is on their back on a flat, firm, and level surface. This is known as the supine position and is proven to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is also recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months.
Newborns should never sleep on soft surfaces such as couches, sofas, waterbeds, memory foam, adult mattresses, quilts, blankets, or sheepskins. Car seats, strollers, and sitting devices are also not recommended as regular sleep spaces and newborns should be moved to their regular sleep area as soon as possible if they fall asleep in these locations.
While it is understandable to want to help your baby with reflux, elevating their mattress or propping them up is not recommended. Instead, speak to your paediatrician about safe ways to manage your baby's reflux.
