Safe sleep for the newborn

Your baby is finally home with you!!
For many new moms, having the baby’s crib in their room especially during the first few months is both comforting and convenient.

Despite experts’ opinion variation on this matter, there is a rising number of new parents who choose to keep their newborn babies in their room, especially at night.
However, if you want to insure a nice and safe sleep for your little one, you have to follow some simple rules. Read the latest recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics for infant’s safe sleeping, as they were published in October 2011.
•    The first and most important rule for his safety is the way you put him for sleep. Please notice that placing the baby on its back is safer than sleeping on the side, as this position can be more dangerous. Do not use pillows to ensure that your little one will remain in sideways position. However, if he turns on his own on the side or face down, let him continue sleeping, always under your supervision.
•    If your baby falls asleep in the stroller or the baby’s car seat and you cannot place him in his crib, you need to find a more suitable place for sleeping. Always try to avoid letting him sleep on chairs, sofas, water beds or large cushions, but find a stable and safer place.
•    Keep your baby’s crib empty of unnecessary things. Don’t use anything that could increase entrapment risk or obstruct his breathing. So it is better to avoid decorative pillows, blankets or stuffed toys that can be very dangerous for your baby, especially during the first 12 months.
•    If you prefer your baby to be in the same room with you, it would be ideal to place his crib within hand reach from your bed. This way you can easily check him during the night or breastfeed without exposing him to the "pitfalls" of your bed.
•    As strange as it might sound, breast-feeding your baby exclusively for a long time, contributes to a calm and safe sleep. For the same reason, follow closely the vaccination program. Recent researches show that vaccines probably have protective effect during sleep time as well.
•    Keep your baby away from smoke. Try to quit smoking! If you can’t, at least keep both yours and your baby’s room free of smoke. Furthermore, you should try not to smoke anywhere near your baby… even outdoors!
•    Keep your baby’s room at a reasonable temperature, and don’t overdress him in comparison to what you would wear. If you are concerned for some reason that your baby may be cold, use blankets or sleeping clothes specially designed for babies that keep them warm without overheating them or covering their heads. An ideal temperature for the room would be around 20 degrees Celsius.
•    Don’t rely on intercom during his sleep. To insure that everything is ok, make regular checks for yourself.
Many parents are concerned for their babies’ safe sleeping, especially during their first year of life. By following simple rules listed above and creating a calm and clean environment, you can give your baby the benefit of a high-quality sleep that will contribute the most to his development!