Newborn babies sleep a lot - an average of 16 hours a day, just usually not more than a couple of hours at a time, which explains why you're so tired.
Learn more about baby sleep at WhatToExpect.com: www.whattoexpect.com/first-ye...
Download the What to Expect app:
itunes.apple.com/us/app/pregn...
play.google.com/store/apps/de...
Heidi Murkoff, creator of What to Expect, is here to guide you through every stage of your baby's life. Watch all of our first year videos: • Your Baby's First Year
FOLLOW US:
Facebook: / whattoexpectwhenyouree...
Twitter: / whattoexpect
Pinterest: / whattoexpect
Instagram: / whattoexpect
Transcript:
Newborn babies sleep a lot - an average of 16 hours a day, just usually not more than a couple of hours at a time, which explains why you're so tired. With your sleepy little bundle waking up often for feeds and changes and cuddles, a full night's sleep for you, or even a nice long nap may be a parental pipe dream for now. But at least let's help you rest easy when it comes to your baby sleeping safely, if not soundly.
How do you keep your baby safe while she sleeps? Start with the right position, right from the start. Flat on her back, not on her side, not on her tummy, not at a semi-recline, is flat out the safest way for your baby to sleep. The facts back it up too; back sleeping is associated with a dramatically decreased risk of SIDS, also known as crib death.
Next, the right location. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in your room, but not in your bed. Pick a safe sleep space instead; a bassinet, a pack and play with a bassinet insert, or a crib can all keep your baby safe, snug and within arm's reach for easy access at feeding time. Sleep spaces that don't make the cut; Moses baskets, dock-a-tots, nests, loungers and any space that puts baby at an incline or in a semi-reclining position, like a swing, an infant seat, or a car seat. Sure, your baby may nod off briefly in a seat, especially one that's in comforting motion but for safety's sake, transfer your sleeping bundle to a safe sleep space as soon as you can.
What belongs in that crib or bassinet? No bumpers, no blankets, no soft toys, no pillows, no positioners, no wedges nothing but the baby, flat on his back, on a firm, tight-fitting mattress covered by a tight-fitting sheet. Wondering how to keep your sweetie from startling and waking herself up while on her back? A cozy swaddle or a sleep sack will help keep her feeling snug, secure and cocooned.
Temperature matters too. Even brand new babies don't need to be overly bundled while they sleep. In fact, being overheated is a risk factor for SIDS and a reason to keep your baby lightly dressed and comfortably cool during the night and naps. No hats, which trap heat, no blanket sleepers in warm weather. How do you tell if baby's too warm or too chilly? Check the nape of his neck and if the room is too warm for you, it's probably too warm for him.
Another layer of protection against SIDS; keep a fan running in the room while she sleeps. The circulating air may keep her safer, while offering a white noise bonus that might actually help her sleep more soundly.
The coziest place for your baby to sleep may be snuggled on top of you or beside you but that's not the safest place if you're napping, too. Other nap-time no-no's, whether baby's sleeping solo or beside you are; bean bag chairs, waterbeds, gliders, recliners, armchairs and sofas.
Considering bed-sharing, either for the coziness or the convenience? Well, consider the many SIDS risk factors lurking in a comfy adult bed including; pillows, comforters, pillow-top mattresses and headboards that allow for entrapment. For those reasons and more, pediatricians and other experts recommend room-sharing, keeping your baby in a safe sleep space right next to your bed, which appears to be protective against SIDS, not bed-sharing, which may increase risk.
And one more way to help your newborn sleep more safely and soundly, and to help you breathe more easily while he sleeps, get him in the paci habit. Sleeping with a pacifier is also believed to lower SIDS risk, and in case you're wondering, doesn't lead to nipple confusion once a baby has mastered his latch.
Still aching for a good night's sleep? Or at least a couple of hours of Z's at a stretch? Dream on! And while you're waiting for a less sleep-deprived day to dawn, which it should, within a few months or so know you've got your baby's back while she does sleep. Here's to safe, sweet dreams!
Негізгі бет Safe Sleep Guidelines: How to Keep Your Newborn Baby Safe While She Sleeps! - What to Expect
Пікірлер: 25