Sleep Learning - Safe Sleep Practices
When it comes to introducing the idea of sleep learning to families, I always start with safe sleep practices. These practices are essential to have in place before you begin addressing any sleep issues. You want to know that your baby is safe in their sleep space. So, let’s talk about a few things related to safe sleep.
As an FSI-certified Child Sleep Consultant, it is my responsibility to follow the guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The following information is taken directly from HealthyChildren.org, a website supported by the AAP.
Recommendations for a Safe Sleep Environment
A safe sleep environment lowers the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths. Here are some ways you can help create a safe sleep environment.
Put your baby on their back for all naps & at night
Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die suddenly and unexpectedly than babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides. The problem with the side position is that your baby can roll more easily onto their stomach.
Some parents worry that babies will choke when they're on their backs. But your baby's airway anatomy and their gag reflex will keep that from happening. Even babies with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should sleep flat on their backs.
Some babies will roll onto their stomachs. You should always place your baby to sleep on their back. But if they're comfortable rolling both ways (back to tummy, tummy to back), then you don't need to keep turning your baby to their back again. Just be sure that there are no blankets, pillows, stuffed toys or bumper pads in your baby's bed. Your baby could roll into any of these items, which could block their airflow.
Use a firm, flat sleep surface
A firm surface means that it shouldn't indent when your baby is lying on it. Any surface that inclines more than 10 degrees isn't safe for your baby to sleep on.
Place your baby in a crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Check the CPSC website to make sure your crib hasn't been recalled, especially if it's not new.
Make sure your crib mattress is designed for your specific crib and that it fits tightly. Use a fitted sheet only—nothing else should be in the crib with your baby.
Don't use products for sleep that aren't specifically marketed for infant sleep. Examples include Boppy pillows and Dock-a-Tots.
Never sleep with your baby
Based on the evidence, the AAP doesn't recommend bed sharing with your baby under any circumstances. This includes twins and other multiples.
If you bring your baby into your bed to feed or comfort them, place them in their own sleep space when you're ready to go to sleep.
Avoid falling asleep with your baby in other spots, too. The risk of sleep-related infant death is up to 67 times higher when infants sleep with someone on a couch, soft armchair or cushion.
It's extra important not to bed share with your baby if:
… you have been drinking alcohol, using marijuana or have taken any medicines or illicit drugs. The risk of sleep-related infant death is more than 10 times higher for babies who bed share with someone who is fatigued or has taken medications that make it harder for them to wake up or has used substances such as alcohol or drugs.
… your baby is very young, small or was born prematurely. The risk of sleep-related infant death while bed sharing is 5 to 10 times higher when your baby is younger than 4 months old. And the risk of sleep-related infant death is 2 to 5 times higher if your baby was born preterm or with low birth weight.
Instead of bed sharing, room share with your baby
This means keeping your baby's sleep area in the same room (but not in the same bed) where you sleep for at least the first 6 months. Place your baby's crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard in your bedroom, close to your bed.
The AAP recommends room sharing because it can decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50% and it's much safer than bed sharing. Room sharing will also make it easier for you to feed, comfort and watch your baby.
Keep soft objects & loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area
These objects can increase your baby's risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation. This includes pillows and pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, mattress toppers, non-fitted sheets, blankets, toys, bumper pads, or related products that attach to crib slats or sides.
If you're worried about your baby getting cold, you can dress them in layers of clothing or use a wearable blanket. In general, you should dress your baby in only one layer more than you're wearing.
Don't use weighted blankets, sleepers, swaddles, or other weighted objects on or near your baby.
Don't let your baby get overheated
Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS. Your baby only needs one more layer than you would wear in the same environment to be comfortable.
Check your baby for signs of overheating such as sweating, a hot chest or flushed skin.
Don't put a hat on your baby while indoors once you're home from the hospital.
My Recommendations
Now, when it comes to the age group with whom I work (4-month-olds and up), here is what I include in all my sleep plans.
Safe Sleep Practices – Essential
· The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you use a firm sleep surface such as a crib, portable crib or play yard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
· Keep stuffed animals, loose bedding, bumper pads, and any other objects out of the sleep area.
· Cords, plugs, outlets, mobiles, and furniture should not be within reach of baby’s sleep area.
· Mattress sheets should be fitted and there should be no gaps between the mattress and the crib rails.
· Many crib mattresses have two sides – one for infants and one for toddlers. Make sure your mattress is on the correct side for the age of your baby.
· Adjust crib mattress to lowest position.
· No more swaddling after 4 months of age (or when baby can roll).
All of these guidelines may or may not help your baby sleep better. But once your baby has the skills in place to sleep better, YOU will sleep better knowing that your baby is SAFE!