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Top 10 Baby Sleep Safety Guidelines: Creating a Safe Sleeping Environment

Babies are the cutest of things when they are sleeping, which besides cuteness, is essential for their health.  It's essential to make a comfortable place for your child to sleep well at night. Making sure that the place where a baby sleep is safe and comfortable and doesn’t create issues that can disrupt a baby from proper sleep. Through time and experience and the study of science, we can perform small steps to enhance our baby’s sleep.

These are some ideas to make sure you and your baby sleep well and stay safe at night, regardless of what you decide to do.

1.      Use a Cot

Make sure to pick a baby cot that won't harm your little one. Choosing the correct bed for a baby is essential to ensure they can sleep without any danger. Your baby's cot must be strong, even and not get wet easily. The mattress you use should be firm, comfortable, fits the cot’s size, and be medically supported for the baby’s growth.

The cot should have sides that are not bumpy, have no holes, and are high enough to keep them safe inside. The bars should be spaced so babies can't get stuck with their heads.

2.      Limit the Toys

Take away the stuffed animals from the baby's bed and swap them for blankets or sheets made of cotton. We can change these things to help the baby be more comfortable. If your baby can grab things while sleeping, they might be more likely to get sudden infant death syndrome.

Some things have strings that could make someone choke, for example, window blinds, toys, and phones. You could get hurt if you accidentally swallow them. Using pillows can make it more likely for babies to die from SIDS. Don't dress your baby in clothes that are too big. The clothes can make it hard for them to breathe properly and be safe.

3.      Maintain a Healthy Environment and Moderate Temperatures

You don’t want your baby to get sick from too cold or too hot. Do these things to make sure your baby doesn't get too hot and stays safe:

·         Don't put your baby close to things that are hot, like a heater, hot water bottle, or electric blanket, when they are sleeping.

·         If the place is too warm, use a fan or open a window for cooler air.

·         Make sure your baby’s head is clear and isn’t covered with anything unless you are living in a very cold region where it necessitates it. If your baby wears a hat for a long time, they may become too warm and have trouble breathing.

It's normal for your baby's hands and feet to be chilly. If your baby's skin looks blue or has strange marks, it might mean that he/she is feeling cold. Put something else on top if something really is going on. Take off some of your baby's clothes or take off the blanket if he or she is too warm.

4.      Stay Close to Your Baby

We recommend that parents do not sleep with their babies in the same bed because it may cause sudden infant death syndrome. Babies should not sleep in adult beds, sofas, or chairs because it is not safe for them. If the baby is close to you, they may struggle to breathe or get hurt. For the first six months, it's a good idea to let your baby sleep in your room. This can make you happier as a parent and assist in preventing your baby's sudden death.

If you want your baby to sleep in another room, you can use a baby monitor to see if your baby is sleeping okay and is still safe.

5.      Lay the Baby on Their Back

Ensure your child is resting on their stomach when they are awake. This also helps them avoid keeping their head in one position for too long. When they are asleep, or you are putting them to sleep, the best position and medically recommended is on the baby’s back. Once it is more than a year old, then they can sleep on the side. Place the baby's feet at the end of the bed and their head in the center.

6.      Keep Cigarettes Away

If you smoke, it's not good for your baby to sleep with you in the same room. Don't smoke in that room, even if you haven't done it before, because it's still dangerous for the baby. To keep your baby safe from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), do not smoke while you are pregnant, and keep your home free from smoke.

7.      Dress the Baby Warm

Your baby will feel good if they don't cover their head and face. It's okay if babies' hands and feet feel cold. There's no need to worry. Your baby can sleep in a special sleeping bag made for them that keeps them safe. You don't have to use blankets or sheets on them.

8.      Keep the Lights Out

If the place where your baby sleeps is dark, they will learn that it's time to sleep when it's dark. This will help them fall asleep at the same time every day. Bright light may annoy your baby. This way, they might find it hard to sleep at night and stay asleep. Get a curtain that blocks all the light and turn off any bright lights. This can help your baby feel relaxed in a room with no light.

Conclusion

It's important for your baby to sleep well so they stay healthy and happy. Make sure your kid has a comfortable bed to sleep in at night. This is a cozy spot for your baby to relax and snooze, like a comfy bed or a baby's crib. So letting your baby sleep on its back is the best practice you should adopt that supports healthy growth and healing in babies.