Herbie Murray
As a new parent, you might be wondering how to get your newborn to sleep well and safely. Newborns sleep around the clock, waking up every few hours to eat. They need 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, and it may take a few weeks for them to learn the difference between night and day. To help them settle into a routine, keep things quiet and calm during nighttime feedings and diaper changes, and don't try to keep them awake during the day. It's important to create a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related hazards. This includes always placing your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat, and level surface, and avoiding loose items like blankets, hats, and pillows, which can increase the risk of suffocation and strangulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of sleep | 14-17 hours over a 24-hour period. Some newborns may sleep up to 18-19 hours a day. |
| Feeding | Newborns wake every couple of hours to eat. Breastfed babies feed about every 2-3 hours. Bottle-fed babies feed about every 3-4 hours. |
| Safe sleep environment | A crib with a firm, flat, and level surface. No pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, or loose items. |
| Sleepwear | One or more layers depending on the temperature of the room. No hats, mittens, or hair accessories. |
| Room temperature | Between 68°F and 72°F (20°C - 22°C). |
| Room-sharing | Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) without bed-sharing. |
| Sleep position | On their back until they are able to roll over on their own. |
| Swaddling | Can be used to soothe the baby but should be stopped once they start trying to roll over. |
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What You'll Learn
- Safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related hazards
- Dressing newborns appropriately for room temperature to avoid overheating
- Creating a safe sleep environment by removing pillows, blankets, and other items from the crib
- The benefits and risks of swaddling newborns
- Room-sharing without bed-sharing to facilitate feeding, comforting, and monitoring
Safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related hazards
Safe sleep practices are crucial to reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related hazards for newborns. Here are some detailed guidelines to ensure a safe sleep environment for your baby during the day and at night:
Room-sharing without bed-sharing: It is recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their caregivers but on a separate sleep surface, such as a bassinet or crib, ideally until they are at least 6 months old. Room-sharing reduces the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers compared to bed-sharing or having the baby sleep in a separate room.
Sleep position: Always place your baby on their back to sleep, both during the day and at night. Sleeping on the back has been associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. Make sure to place the baby with their feet touching the end of the cot or Moses basket ("feet-to-foot" position).
Sleep surface: Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a safety-approved crib or bassinet with a fitted sheet. Soft mattresses, couches, sofas, waterbeds, memory foam, adult mattresses, quilts, and sheepskins are not recommended as they increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
Avoid overheating: Overheating is a significant risk factor for SIDS. Dress your baby appropriately for the room temperature, and avoid overbundling. Keep the room temperature comfortable, between 16°C and 20°C. If your baby is sweating or their tummy feels hot, remove some bedding.
Keep the sleep area clear: Remove soft bedding, blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and soft toys from your baby's sleep area. Make sure your baby's head remains uncovered during sleep.
Breastfeeding and pacifiers: Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. If possible, breastfeed your baby or feed them expressed milk. Additionally, offering a pacifier at sleep time is believed to reduce the risk of SIDS, but it is recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well-established, usually around one month.
Avoid smoke exposure: Do not smoke during pregnancy or after the baby is born, and do not allow smoking around the baby. Smoking increases the risk of SIDS.
Vaccinations and well-child visits: Keep your baby up to date with their routine vaccinations and ensure they attend well-child visits with their healthcare provider. Vaccinations protect against illnesses that may increase the risk of SIDS.
Remember, these practices are essential to creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn during the day and at night, significantly reducing the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related hazards.
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Dressing newborns appropriately for room temperature to avoid overheating
Newborns sleep a lot during the day and night, and it's important to keep them safe and comfortable. Dressing newborns appropriately for room temperature is crucial to avoid overheating, which is unsafe, and to ensure they don't get too cold, which can disrupt their sleep.
In their first few days, babies are learning to regulate their body temperature. They may wear a hat in the hospital, but by the time they go home, hats are no longer needed for temperature regulation. The official recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is that an infant should never be dressed in more than one additional layer than an adult in the same environment. If you're unsure, it's best to ask your pediatrician for advice.
To promote safe sleeping and avoid the risk of suffocation and strangulation, blankets should be kept out of a newborn's crib. Instead, dress your baby in clothing that keeps them at a comfortable temperature so that a blanket is unnecessary. This might include a sleep sack or swaddle, which can help soothe a crying baby. However, swaddling should be stopped once a baby starts trying to roll over, as it can be risky and difficult for them to turn.
To check if your baby is too warm, assess their body for sweat or flushed cheeks. If they are too warm, reduce the layers under their sleepwear or opt for a lower TOG rating. If your baby is too cold, their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) will feel cool to the touch. Their fingers and toes are not a good indicator of warmth.
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Creating a safe sleep environment by removing pillows, blankets, and other items from the crib
Creating a safe sleep environment for your newborn is crucial to prevent sleep-related hazards and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While SIDS has no known cause, creating a safe sleep environment can help reduce your baby's risk. Here are some essential guidelines for establishing a safe sleep space for your newborn:
Remove pillows, blankets, and other items from the crib:
- It is recommended to keep the crib free of any pillows, blankets, or loose items. These items can increase the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and SIDS. Instead of using blankets, dress your baby in clothing that keeps them at a comfortable temperature.
- Make sure your baby sleeps on a firm, flat, and level surface. The crib should only have a fitted sheet covering the mattress. This may seem bare, but it is the safest option.
- Avoid using soft surfaces for your baby's sleep, such as couches, sofas, or adult mattresses. These surfaces can increase the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
- Keep the crib free of bumpers, stuffed animals, or any other items that could pose a hazard.
- If you choose to room-share, place your baby in a separate bassinet or crib next to your bed. Bed-sharing is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation or strangulation.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. This sleeping position reduces the risk of SIDS and overheating.
- Be mindful of the room temperature, aiming for a comfortable range between 68°F and 72°F (20°C - 22°C). Dress your baby appropriately for the temperature, usually in one additional layer compared to adults in the same environment.
- Assess your baby's temperature by feeling their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy). If they feel sweaty or their cheeks are flushed, they are likely too warm.
Remember, creating a safe sleep environment is crucial for your newborn's well-being. By following these guidelines, you can help reduce the risk of sleep-related hazards and provide a peaceful and secure sleep space for your baby.
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The benefits and risks of swaddling newborns
Swaddling, or wrapping a baby in a thin blanket, is a traditional practice that has been used in different forms since 4000 BC. It is intended to help newborns feel calm and fall asleep more easily. Swaddling is particularly useful for soothing crying babies and reducing stress, which can boost successful breastfeeding.
However, there are some risks associated with swaddling. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the baby's legs have enough space to bend up and out at the hips to allow for the natural development of the hip joints. Tightly swaddling a baby's hips may increase their risk of developing hip dysplasia, a developmental problem with the hip joint. Secondly, swaddling increases thoracic compression, which leads to reduced oxygen saturation and increased respiratory rate and cardiac activity. This may explain the association between swaddling and an increased risk of acute respiratory infection. Additionally, swaddling can become risky once a baby starts rolling over, as it is difficult for them to turn back, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation.
To minimise these risks, it is important to follow safe swaddling practices. Ensure that only the baby's body is wrapped, leaving the neck and head uncovered to reduce the risk of suffocation. Stop swaddling as soon as the baby starts showing signs of rolling over. Additionally, consider the baby's temperature and environment to prevent overheating.
Overall, swaddling can be a beneficial tool for soothing newborns and promoting sleep, but it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks and follow safe swaddling practices to ensure the baby's comfort and safety.
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Room-sharing without bed-sharing to facilitate feeding, comforting, and monitoring
Newborns sleep around the clock, waking every couple of hours to eat. They need 14–17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period, with some sleeping up to 18–19 hours a day. During the first few weeks of a baby's life, some parents choose to room-share. This involves placing the baby's crib or bassinet in the parents' bedroom instead of in a separate nursery. This practice is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as it helps with feeding, comforting, and monitoring at night without the risks associated with bed-sharing.
Room-sharing without bed-sharing is the safest option for newborns. Bed-sharing increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other sleep-related deaths. When sharing a bed, babies are at risk of suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment. This risk is posed by pillows, blankets, and the possibility of someone accidentally rolling onto the baby. To reduce these risks, the AAP recommends that babies sleep in their own sleep area, such as a bassinet or crib, placed next to the parents' bed.
To create a safe sleep environment for your newborn, follow these recommendations:
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their stomach or side. Sleeping on their stomach can put infants at risk of suffocation, overheating, and SIDS.
- Use a firm, flat, and level sleep surface. A crib with a fitted sheet covering the mattress is a safe option.
- Avoid soft surfaces and items in the baby's sleep area. Do not use quilts, blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals as these can increase the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths.
- Ensure the baby's room temperature is comfortable. Dress your baby in clothing that keeps them at a comfortable temperature so that a blanket is unnecessary. In general, it is recommended to maintain room temperatures between 68°F and 72°F (20°C - 22°C) for sleeping. However, as long as your baby is dressed appropriately, they can still be comfortable and safe outside of this range.
- Assess your baby's temperature by feeling their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy). Their fingers and toes are not a good indicator of warmth. If your baby is sweaty or their cheeks are flushed, they are probably too warm.
By following these guidelines, you can create a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your newborn during the day and night while facilitating easy access for feeding, comforting, and monitoring.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal room temperature for a newborn to sleep in is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C - 22°C). However, it's important to note that babies can still be comfortable and safe outside of this range as long as they are dressed appropriately for the temperature.
Newborns should be dressed in layers that suit the temperature of their bedroom to avoid overheating. It is recommended to use clothing that keeps them at a comfortable temperature so that a blanket is unnecessary. If using a blanket, it should be light and thin to avoid the risk of suffocation.
Safe sleep practices for newborns include room-sharing without bed-sharing, placing the baby on their back to sleep, using a firm and flat sleep surface, and keeping the room quiet and calm during the day to send the message that daytime is for sleeping.
