BabyOrganix | Safe Sleep for Babies

What is Safe Sleep?

You may ask what is the meaning of “safe sleep“? Are we not sleeping safely? Safe sleep means putting your baby to sleep in ways that protect him or her from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), choking and suffocation. SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is referred to as cot death; there are no explainable causes of death after the autopsy. No one knows what causes SIDS, but researchers have theorized that a dramatic drop in heart rate occurs just before death. 

Safe Sleeping Environment

A safe sleeping environment is a place where all potential dangers are removed. The baby is sleeping in a safe place. The ideal place for a baby to sleep is in a safe cot, on a steady mattress and equipped with proper bedding. 

Where Babies Can Have Safe Sleep?

Babies sleep a lot. They can sleep for 16 hours a day and the baby’s sleeping place needs to be as safe as possible. The safest place for your baby to sleep is by him or herself in a bassinet or crib. At times, a baby can sleep for a couple of hours after a meal. While it is lovely to have your baby with you for a cuddle after a feed. To be safe, put your baby back in their cot and don’t put him on the couch or an armchair.

Before the arrival of a newborn please make sure that you use a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib. Remove loose blankets, excess pillows and soft toys away from the bed. Dear parents, a baby can share a room with you but not the bed. Avoid sleeping together with your baby. Put away those hanging cords such as blinds, curtains, or electrical appliances as those items could get caught around the baby’s neck. 

It is also unsafe to leave your baby unattended to sleep on an adult bed or bunk bed. If you leave your baby to sleep on a sofa, always keep an eye on the baby. 

BabyOrganix Guide on How to Get Babies to Sleep Better 

Some sleeping arrangements are not safe. They can increase the risk of sudden death or accidents. You can reduce the risk for your baby by following these safe sleeping recommendations:

1. Place your baby on their back to sleep, not on their tummy or on their side.
2. Sleep your baby in your bedroom at night for the first six to 12 months of life. 
3. Don’t share a bed with your baby, particularly if you’ve been drinking alcohol, if you’re on prescription drugs or if you’re a smoker.
4. Do not keep your baby’s head covered to prevent suffocation or overheating.
5. Make sure the temperature is suitable for the baby. Not too hot or cold. 
6. Place your baby in the ‘feet to foot’ position (with their feet at the end of the crib or bassinet).
7. Dress your baby comfortably before bedtime.
8. Do not smoke during pregnancy or after delivery and don’t let anyone smoke near your baby.
9. Breastfeed your baby.
10. Make sure your baby’s nanny know how to protect against SIDS