Sleep Positions

What is a safe sleep position?

Following recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), babies should only be put to sleep on their back. This is to prevent Spontaneous Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies who cannot hold their head, or roll from tummy to back, are in very high risk of suffocating if placed to sleep on their tummy or side. Placing your baby to sleep on their back, and keep their sleep environment clear of blankets, pillows, toys and cloths - is essential to ensure clear airways, and reduce risks of suffocation. Placing a baby who cannot yet roll onto their tummy to sleep in any position but their back -is simply unsafe.

Once your baby is more mobile and independent, they will find the sleep position they prefer. Yet it is important they find it on their own, so they develop the muscle and strength to get in and out of that position.

Swaddling

Swaddling up till 4 months is incredibly effective in calming babies down, and induce sleep. It makes them feel safe, embraced, and relaxes their jerking limbs which tends to wake them up and disturb their sleep. Ensure swaddle is wrapped properly (not too tight, not too loose), and place baby to sleep on their back in bed. Placing a swaddled baby on soft surfaces as sofas and parent’s bed increases chances of them rolling over and getting their airways blocked. Once your baby can support their head and preferably roll over, stop swaddling.

To find out more about swaddling and getting your baby to sleep well on their back, book your sleep consultation package or a free discovery call today.