Keeping Your Baby Safe During Bedtime

Nighttime routine with your baby is the time where you can finally wind down and get some proper rest before another new day arrives. However, for new parents it can be a confusing task to ensure that your baby sleeps well and safely. You would want your baby to sleep soundly. But, it is just as important that your baby sleeps safely! 

By practicing smart and safe sleeping habits, you can help prevent dangers such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other hazards from your baby. Here is what you need to know so that you and your baby can have a safe and good night’s rest.

Types of Sleeping Hazards

Sleep related deaths in babies are very common and sometimes the cause of death can be unexplainable. As worrying as it sounds, having a basic understanding of the different types of sleeping hazards can help you manage and lower their risks:

  • SIDS: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS happens often with no warning signs or clear reasons. Most SIDS deaths happen in babies between 1 to 4 months old.
  • Accidental suffocation: Occurs when an object limits the baby’s breathing during sleeping. This could be blankets, soft toys, pillows that are against their face, or when the baby gets trapped between a mattress and a wall.
  • Others: Other dangers may occur but less commonly are birth complications and maternity complications that may cause some babies to be unable to gain full control of their breathing and heart rate.

Facts About SIDS

Although it is still not fully understood, it is believed to be a combination of physical and sleep environmental factors that can make an infant more vulnerable to SIDS. These factors vary from child to child.

What are the causes?

Physical and biological factors may include brain defects, low birth weight or respiratory infections. Some babies may be born prematurely which is likely that their brains haven’t matured completely to be able to fully control automatic processes such as breathing and heart rate. Genetics may also be linked to babies that are more susceptible to SIDS.

Sleep environmental factors such as items in a baby’s crib and his or her sleeping position can combine with a baby’s physical problems to increase the risk of SIDS. A few examples would be babies who are sleeping on their stomach or side might have more difficulty breathing. Sleeping on a soft surface such as a fluffy comforter, soft mattress or a water bed while lying face down may block the baby’s airways. Sharing a bed with your baby may also increase the chances of SIDS. Lastly, if a baby is too warm, it may also contribute to the risk of SIDS.

You May Also Read this : Why Your Family Will Thank You for Hiring a Confinement Nanny

How To Avoid SIDS

Back sleeping position. Placing your baby on their back to sleep increases their access to fresh air and makes them less likely to get overheated. Do this until your baby knows how to roll over both ways, which usually happens around 6 months, they may not stay on their back which is fine.

Avoid putting anything in the crib. Blankets, pillows, comforters, and stuffed toys can hinder your child’s breathing. It increases chances of accidental suffocation if your baby’s face presses against them. It is best to wait until they are old enough to place these items in their bed.

Keep the place cool. To avoid overheating the baby make sure the room is sufficiently cool and dress your baby in simple, light and comfortable clothes. To tell whether your baby is too warm, feel the nape of their neck. If they are sweating, it is too hot. 

Have the baby sleep in your room and not with you on the bed. It is dangerous for your baby to sleep on the same bed as you which can cause an accidental suffocation with your arm or leg. Keep your baby seperated in a crib in your room. 

Always breastfeed your baby. Research shows that breastfeeding for two to four months reduces the risk of SIDS by 40 percent though some experts aren’t sure why. However, breast milk may protect babies from infections that raise their SIDS risk. Besides, skin-to-skin contact is important for the baby’s development. 

Introduce a pacifier to your baby. A pacifier may help prevent SIDS as it is believed that sucking on a pacifier might open up air space around a baby’s mouth and nose. It is important to note that your baby should be breastfeed regularly before offering the pacifier. 

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Get an extra pair of helping hands. Consider getting a helper for baby care such as a trained confinement nanny. An extra help is always good especially when it comes to the safety of your baby. With a nanny you can rest assured that your baby is safe while you take a break. As the saying goes, two hands are better than one.

PEM offers the best confinement nanny Singapore service with nannies that are professionally trained to give you and your newborn the best care. Visit our website to learn about our confinement nanny service, confinement nanny Singapore cost and more details on how our nannies can be your great helper for baby care. Keeping your baby safe and sound during sleeptime does not have to be overwhelming. With the right information and help, both you and your baby can get a restful and comfortable sleep every night!

Author

  • PEM Confinement Nanny Agency

    We are a group of frontliners and support team members who are passionate about sharing our knowledge and experience in confinement care. Representing the largest confinement nanny agency in Singapore which has served over 250,000 mothers in over 30 years, we are all about sharing useful and insightful information based on our experience to help new parents navigate this exciting chapter of their life better.