Colin Snow
Newborns sleep a lot—up to 19 hours a day—so it's important to make sure you have everything you need to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable. The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back in a cot in the same room as you for the first 6 months. You'll need a firm mattress that fits the cot snugly, with no gaps where your baby could get trapped. You can also swaddle your baby, which can help to soothe them and remind them of the womb. If you're looking for something that requires less work than swaddling, you can use a sleeping bag instead of blankets, which babies can't kick off.
Explore related products
Cots, cribs, and mattresses
A crib is another option for a newborn baby's sleep and is typically smaller than a cot. Cribs are usually made of wood and some models have a rocking or gliding feature to help soothe the baby to sleep. When choosing a crib mattress, it is important to select one that fits the crib perfectly and is firm enough to support the baby's sleeping body. Standalone carrycots are also available, which are light and portable with handles, and can be attached to a wheeled frame.
To create a safe sleeping environment for your newborn, it is recommended to place them on their back in the cot or crib, in the same room as you, for the first 6 months. This arrangement is known as room-sharing and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as it facilitates feeding, comforting, and monitoring during the night. It is important to note that bed-sharing, where the infant sleeps in the same bed as the parents, is not advised as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related dangers.
To monitor your baby's sleep, audio monitors can be used to pick up on noises, while breathing and sensor monitors track changes in your baby's movements or breathing. However, these monitors may cause unnecessary anxiety, and it is generally more effective to focus on creating a safe sleeping environment and maintaining the correct room temperature to prevent SIDS. Additionally, it is recommended to use sheets, sleeping bags, or layers of blankets tucked in firmly below the baby's shoulder level for safe and comfortable sleep.
Ideal Room Temperature for Newborn Sleep: A Guide for Parents
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Swaddling blankets
When choosing a swaddling blanket, look for those specifically designed for newborns. Ensure the fabric is soft and breathable, like muslin or cotton, to keep your baby comfortable and prevent overheating. The blanket should be large enough to swaddle securely but not too loose, as this may pose a safety risk.
It is important to note that you should stop swaddling your baby once they start rolling over onto their tummy during sleep. At this stage, they need their arms to adjust their head position and avoid suffocation. You can transition to a sleeping bag or a flat sheet tucked firmly below their shoulder level.
Summer Sleepwear for Newborns: What's Best?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Baby monitors
Audio Monitors
Audio monitors allow you to hear your baby's noises, cries, and gurgles from any room in the house. They can also come with additional pads that go under the baby's sheet to alert you to changes in movement or breathing. However, these breathing and sensor monitors may cause more anxiety than peace of mind, and there is no evidence they protect against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Video Monitors
Video monitors let you see your baby's slightest movements and can be incredibly useful if you need to check in on your baby from another location, such as during a work trip or date night. Local video monitors require the display unit to stay within about 1,000 feet of the camera in the baby's room. The Babysense MaxView Baby Monitor is a highly-rated local video monitor that offers a 1080p high-definition camera, intuitive shortcut buttons, and useful features like white noise, lullabies, and night-lights.
If you want remote access, consider a Wi-Fi-enabled monitor that links the camera's feed to an app on your smartphone. The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor is a popular choice in this category, and it comes with a wall mount or floor stand option. The Motorola VM36XL is another Wi-Fi-enabled option with a portable and rechargeable camera, but it falls short in terms of battery life and display quality.
Hybrid Monitors
Hybrid monitors offer a combination of audio and video features, and some even include health-tracking and sleep-tracking capabilities. The Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro is a highly-rated hybrid monitor known for its robust range, active noise cancellation, and ease of use. The Harbor Baby Monitor is another hybrid option with a connected app, a large touchscreen, a high-resolution camera, and various extras.
Additional Considerations
When choosing a baby monitor, consider factors such as ease of setup, signal strength, privacy, and data security. While Wi-Fi monitors offer the convenience of remote access, they can be more challenging to set up and may raise concerns about hacking and data privacy. Local video monitors are a good alternative if you want to avoid these issues. Additionally, features like night-lights, white noise, and lullabies can be beneficial add-ons to enhance your baby's sleep environment.
Clothing for Newborns: What to Dress Them in for Sleep
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleepwear
For the first few months, newborns can sleep in a carrycot, which is a light, portable cot with handles, often attachable to a wheeled frame. You can also buy standalone carrycots. Cribs are also suitable for newborns and are usually made of wood. Many cribs have a rocking or gliding option to help get your baby to sleep in the first few weeks.
When it comes to sleepwear, there are a few options to consider:
- Swaddle blankets: These are perfect for keeping your baby snug and secure during the early weeks. Swaddling can help to soothe a crying baby and remind them of the womb, making them feel safe and contained. You can use a flat cotton cot sheet or buy special swaddling blankets.
- Sleeping bags: Many parents prefer sleeping bags to blankets as babies can't kick them off and become cold during the night. They also stop your baby from wriggling down under the covers. Choose a sleeping bag that's suitable for the season and no more than a 2.5 tog, even in winter.
- Pajamas, sleepers, or sleeping sacks: These are another option for newborn sleepwear. Look for styles that cover your baby's feet, and consider whether you want your baby to wear pajamas underneath a sleeping sack.
It's important to ensure that all sleep surfaces and products you use are approved by the relevant safety authorities and meet federal safety standards. For example, in the UK, cots should meet British safety standard BS EN 716, while in the US, products should be approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Winter Warmth: Safe Sleepwear for Newborns
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Carrycots
A carrycot is a light, portable cot with handles, similar to but smaller than the body of a pram. It is often attachable to a wheeled frame, which can be convenient when going out. Your baby can sleep in a carrycot for the first few months, and it can be attached to the frame to be converted into a pushchair when your baby outgrows the carrycot.
Using a carrycot can save you money as it can double up as your baby's first bed, and you don't need to buy a separate Moses basket or crib. You should check with the manufacturer to see if you need to buy a separate mattress for night-time sleeping. The mattress must be firm enough to support your sleeping baby. You can also buy standalone carrycots.
If you have a car, look for a pram that can be easily dismantled. Consider buying a pram harness at the same time, as you may need it to strap your baby securely into the pram. A carrycot can be attached to the pram frame. This can be converted into a pushchair when your baby outgrows the carrycot.
The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back in a cot in the same room as you for the first 6 months. If you're buying a new cot, look for one that meets British safety standard BS EN 716. The mattress must fit snugly, with no space for the baby's head to get stuck. The bars must be smooth, securely fixed, and the distance between each bar should not be more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) so that your baby's head cannot get trapped.
Sleep Sacks for Newborns: Choosing the Right One
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Newborns sleep around the clock, and they wake up every couple of hours to eat. They need 14-17 hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Here are some products that can help your newborn sleep:
- Crib or cot
- Firm mattress
- Sheets
- Sleeping bags
- Swaddling blankets
- Baby monitor
- Carrycot
- Moses basket
- Nursery glider or rocking chair
If you're buying a new cot, look for one that meets the British safety standard BS EN 716. The mattress must fit snugly, with no space for the baby's head to get stuck. The bars must be smooth, securely fixed, and the distance between each bar should not be more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches). The cot should be sturdy, and moving parts should work smoothly without trapping fingers or clothing.
Here are some tips to help your newborn sleep:
- Swaddling can help soothe a crying baby.
- Rocking, cuddling, and singing can help your baby settle down.
- Keep things quiet and calm during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.
- Let your baby fall asleep in the crib at night so they learn that it's the place for sleep.
