How to Safeguard a Baby when Sleeping
(471 Words)
You may supervise your baby all the time, except for when he or she is sleeping. Obviously you need to sleep, too, and cannot watch him 24 hours a day. Make sure you take the steps to protect your baby while slumbering.
Use a safe crib
You want to provide a safe sleeping environment for your baby with a safe crib. Look at the current recommendations and make sure to buy one that meets the standards. For instance, older cribs sometimes had a drop side, but those are no longer recommended. Make sure the crib is stable. Do not put the baby to sleep in a bassinet or swing if it is not recommended by the manufacturer.
Avoid co-sleeping
Some parents choose to co-sleep and place the baby in the parents’ bed. Unfortunately, every year you see cases in which a parent accidentally rolls over on the baby and harms it. Use a crib instead.
Do not place anything in the crib with the baby
You may be tempted to put different items in your baby’s bed, such as a pillow, blanket or baby dolls. You should put none of these in the baby’s crib. The baby should be in there entirely by himself. You do not want a baby to get smothered by a blanket or strangled by a toy. If it is cold for the baby, then dress him warmer in lieu of a blanket.
Do not use a bumper
Although bumpers are commonly sold with many crib bedding sets in baby supply stores across the country, they can actually be dangerous for the baby. They pose a hazard and are not recommended by pediatricians and other groups. Throw the one out that comes with your set.
Use a motion baby monitor
A baby monitor is a must for babies. You will be able to hear the baby when you are not in the room. If the baby cries, you will know. One special monitor is an Angel Care motion monitor. This can help you make sure that the baby is sleeping and let you know if something is wrong, especially important when the risk for SIDS is high. It will check for motion. If the baby does not move or breathe for a certain amount of time, it will set off an alarm.
Lower the crib as necessary
Most cribs let you adjust the height. When your child is first born, you may keep it high so that it is easy to put him in and out. Remember that it does not take long before your baby can pull himself up. Make sure to lower it well in advance so that there is no chance of him or her falling out.
Protect your baby while he is sleeping. Follow all of the above recommendations to safeguard your baby.