It’s crucial to be aware of newborn safe sleeping postures in order to create a secure, resting environment and lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For this, you need to understand safe sleeping positions for babies to assist and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Learn about safe baby sleeping positions here:

• Make the baby sleep on their back.
• When you put your baby to sleep, you should never put them on their front or side.

One of the most preventive measures you can take to make sure your baby is napping as safely as possible is to always put them to bed on their back (also known as the supine position). There is strong evidence from all over the world that putting your infant to sleep on their back at the start of each nap or sleep (day or night) dramatically lowers the risk of SIDS.

Why should babies always sleep on their backs?

Studies thus far indicate that when babies sleep on their bellies, they receive less oxygen and expel less carbon dioxide. Other research indicates that many infants who pass away from SIDS have brain regions that are undeveloped, maybe regions that hinder them from waking up to escape danger (like suffocation). Furthermore, it is better to be safe than sorry because it is impossible to predict which babies won’t naturally arouse.

Babies shouldn’t sleep on their sides because doing so could result in their turning over and increasing their risk of SIDS.

Things to do if your infant turns over to their stomach:

Your baby will be able to choose their own sleeping position once they can independently turn from their back to their front and back again. You should gently turn them back the first few times they roll onto their stomach, but you don’t need to stay up all night watching them. To aid in their development, allow them to play on their tummies occasionally while they are awake, but keep an eye on them while they are on their fronts.

7 healthy sleep habits to follow for babies:

1. Select a solid sleeping surface. Never put your infant to sleep on a soft surface, such as a cushion, a quilt, or a sheepskin; instead, invest in a crib mattress that has received safety approval.

2. Keep the sleeping area tidy and free of clutter. This prohibits the use of toys, soft things, cushions, blankets, sheepskins, or crib bumpers.

3. Keep your baby’s sleeping space close by but separate. Although he can sleep in the same room as you, your infant shouldn’t share a bed, couch, or recliner with adults or other kids. Instead, you should put your child to sleep in a crib, bassinet, cradle, or bedside co-sleeper.

4. Keep an eye on the room’s temperature for your child. To put it another way, not excessively hot or chilly. Furthermore, keep your baby away from open windows, drafty areas, and air conditioning or heating vents.

5. When the infant is awake, encourage supervised tummy time.

6. Offer the baby a dry, clean pacifier, but do not force them to use it if they do not want to.

7. Bedding shouldn’t be used to cover the baby’s head or face because it can overheat and accidentally suffocate the infant.

Takeaway

It might be daunting to bring a new baby home, but by following clear instructions, caregivers’ worry and dangers to the baby can be minimized. Anyone who is worried about safe sleep or has inquiries can speak with a medical professional, like a pediatrician, for more details. Everyone who looks after a newborn needs to be sure to follow the safe sleep recommendations and have access to a healthcare professional in case any issues arise.