Miya Pearson
Newborns sleep a lot—up to 17 hours a day! But they rarely sleep through the night as they need to feed every two to four hours. So, where's the best place for your newborn to sleep? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing with your newborn for the first six months of their life. The safest place for your newborn to sleep is in their own cot, crib, bassinet, or play yard in the same room as you. It's important to always place your baby on their back to sleep and to avoid loose bedding, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and crib bumpers. Newborns generally respond well to being swaddled, but it's important to make sure they're not too hot. The ideal room temperature for a newborn is between 68° and 72°F (20° and 22°C).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baby's sleeping position | On their back |
| Sleeping location | In the same room as the parents for the first 6 months |
| Sleeping surface | Firm, flat, and tight-fitting |
| Sleeping space | Clear of bumpers, toys, pillows, loose bedding, and soft toys |
| Sleeping bag | Should fit well around the shoulders to prevent the baby's head from slipping into the bag |
| Swaddling | Should not be too tight and should be stopped when the baby starts to roll over |
| Room temperature | Between 68°F and 72°F (20°C-22°C) |
| Baby's clothing | Should be adjusted based on the room temperature to prevent overheating |
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What You'll Learn
Cribs, bassinets, and co-sleepers
When it comes to where your newborn sleeps, safety is paramount. The safest place for your newborn to sleep is in their own cot, crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper in the same room as you for the first 6 months. This arrangement reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and makes breastfeeding and overnight care more convenient.
Cribs are a popular choice for many parents, with some opting for cribs that can be converted into beds as their child grows older. When using a crib, ensure that it is safe and properly assembled, with a firm and tight-fitting mattress that meets the latest safety standards. The mattress should be covered with a tightly fitted sheet that doesn't bunch up or come loose, creating a safe and flat sleeping surface.
Bassinets are another option for newborns to sleep in. They are smaller and more portable than cribs, making them convenient for room-sharing. Like cribs, bassinets should have a firm and flat surface for the baby to sleep on, and they should be placed on a stable and wide base to prevent accidental tipping.
Co-sleepers are designed to attach to the side of your bed, allowing your newborn to sleep safely next to you. This option offers the convenience of having your baby close by without sharing the same bed, reducing the risk of SIDS and making night-time care easier.
Regardless of the sleeping arrangement you choose, it is essential to follow safe sleep practices. Always place your newborn on their back to sleep, and avoid loose bedding, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers in the sleeping area. Keep the room temperature comfortable, between 68°F and 72°F (20°C - 22°C), and ensure your baby is dressed appropriately to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
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Safe sleeping positions
The safest sleeping position for a newborn is on their back, on a flat and firm surface, and free from any items that could cause suffocation or entrapment. This position is effective in lowering the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sudden unexplained infant death (SUID). Research has shown that babies who sleep on their stomachs are much more likely to die of SIDS, and infants sleeping on their sides are also at increased risk as they can easily roll onto their stomachs.
To ensure your baby remains safely on their back, you can use a swaddling system or a sleep sack. It is also recommended to use a separate bassinet, crib, or portable crib designed for infants, with a snug-fitting mattress that is firm, flat, and smooth. The crib's slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby from getting trapped.
Additionally, it is crucial to keep the sleeping area clear of any items that could cause harm, such as cords, toys, pillows, loose bedding, and other soft objects. These items can interfere with the baby's breathing and increase the risk of suffocation.
Once your baby can roll over from back to stomach and back again, usually around six months, you can let them sleep in the position they choose. However, it is still important to ensure that the sleeping area is safe and free of hazards.
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Dressing newborns for sleep
Newborns sleep anywhere from 14 to 17 hours out of every 24 hours, but only for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. They need to eat at least every two to four hours, including overnight, so they rarely sleep through the night without waking up.
The ideal room temperature for a newborn to sleep in is between 68° and 72°F (20-22°C). If your baby is dressed too warmly, you can reduce the layers under their swaddle or opt for a swaddle with a lower TOG rating. If your baby is too cold, their core (chest, neck, back, and tummy) would feel cool to the touch. Their fingers and toes are not a good indicator of warmth. If your baby is too warm, they may be sweaty or have flushed cheeks.
It's important to avoid loose blankets, hats, bows, barrettes, and anything else that could cover your baby's face and inhibit breathing. You should also avoid weighted sleep sacks and swaddles. In their first few days, babies are learning to regulate their temperature, so you may want to add a layer to keep them warm. By the time they come home, or in the first week, they should be dressed in a similar way to you. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that an infant should never be dressed in more than one additional layer than adults in the same environment.
You can swaddle a newborn to provide a sense of security, but you should transition out of it as they grow. Once your baby starts to roll over, it's time to lose the swaddle as it's no longer considered safe. They can graduate to a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead.
Sleep sacks are a popular option for newborns, but it's important to ensure they're the right size. They can be used until your baby moves out of their crib. If you're using a crib, make sure it's safe and properly assembled, with a firm mattress and sides that are at least 15 inches high.
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it's time to sleep and help them develop healthy sleep habits. Calming activities like a warm bath, gentle rocking, or reading a story can help soothe them before bedtime.
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Safe sleep strategies
Room and Temperature Control:
The ideal room temperature for your newborn's sleep is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C - 22°C). It is crucial to maintain this temperature range to prevent overheating, which has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Use a home thermostat or indoor thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
Sleep Positioning:
Always place your baby on their back when putting them down to sleep. This position is recommended for the first year of their life and is known to reduce the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation. Ensure the sleeping surface is firm, flat, and free of any loose items like blankets, pillows, or soft toys, as these can also increase the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.
Bedding and Clothing:
Use a tight-fitting sheet that stretches firmly across the mattress, with no bunching or loose ends. Avoid loose blankets, as they can pose a safety hazard. Dress your baby appropriately for the temperature, opting for thicker pajamas or a sleep sack if it's chilly. Avoid overdressing, as this can lead to overheating. Remember, it's better to have your baby slightly underdressed than heavily overdressed.
Room-Sharing and Safe Spaces:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing with your baby for the first six months. Keep your baby's bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper close to your bed. Ensure the sleeping area has a wide base for stability and sides that are at least 15 inches high. Avoid sleeping with your baby in your bed, especially if you or your partner smoke, consume alcohol, or take medications that cause drowsiness.
Swaddling:
Swaddling can be a comforting and safe practice for newborns, but it's essential to do it correctly. Ensure the swaddle is not too tight, allowing for leg movement and hip development. Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over to prevent them from getting stuck in the swaddle.
Monitoring and Reassurance:
It's normal for newborns to have irregular breathing patterns, including short pauses and weird noises. This is due to their immature breathing control center, which will mature over time. Check your baby's temperature by feeling their core; it should feel warm but not sweaty. Avoid relying solely on monitors for temperature readings, as they can be inaccurate.
Remember, safe sleep practices are crucial to reducing the risk of SIDS and creating a comfortable environment for your newborn. By following these strategies, you can help ensure your baby sleeps safely and soundly.
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Baby sleep safety products
Ensuring your baby's sleep environment is safe is crucial. The leading cause of post-neonatal mortality is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and creating a safe sleep environment can help reduce your baby's risk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that, for the first six months, your baby sleeps in the same room as you, as this reduces the risk of SIDS. The AAP also recommends placing your baby on their back to sleep, in their own sleep space, with no other people. A bassinet, crib, or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet is ideal. It is also crucial to keep loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, and other soft items away from the baby's sleep space to prevent overheating and suffocation.
Babies should never sleep on an adult bed, couch, or armchair, either alone or with others. Soft surfaces are not safe for babies to sleep on, and the ideal room temperature should be between 68° and 72°F. While swaddling is generally recommended for newborns, it is important to stop once your baby starts to roll over, as it becomes a safety hazard. Instead, you can use a sleep sack or wearable blanket to keep your baby warm.
Some innovative products, such as the SNOO Smart Sleeper, offer unique safety features. The SNOO has a swaddle that attaches to the bed, keeping babies safely sleeping on their back. It also features womb-like sounds and motion to calm crying and boost sleep.
Remember, while these products and recommendations can enhance safety, there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS. However, by following the advice of trusted sources and using recommended products, you can create a safer sleep environment for your baby.
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Frequently asked questions
The safest way to put your newborn to sleep is to place them on their back in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. The crib, bassinet, or play yard should be in the same room as you but not in your bed. The sleeping area should be free of loose bedding, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers.
The ideal room temperature for a newborn to sleep in is between 68° and 72°F (20° and 22°C). You should also consider the number of layers of clothing your newborn is wearing. It is better to have your baby slightly underdressed than heavily overdressed.
Newborns generally respond well to being swaddled. You can use a basic short-sleeve cotton or organic-cotton bodysuit or t-shirt with a muslin or cotton swaddle or sleep sack layered on top. You can also use thicker pajamas or a onesie under pajamas if the room is cooler.
It is recommended that newborns sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months of their life.
Safe sleep practices for newborns include placing them on their back to sleep, using a firm and flat sleeping surface, and avoiding loose bedding, pillows, and toys in the crib. It is also important to monitor your newborn's temperature to ensure they do not get too hot or too cold.
