So you're having your baby and you are getting lots of advice from EVERYONE! One thing the older generation will sometimes try to talk you into is unsafe sleep habits!
Here are some notes to keep in mind when you receive the advice of "this is how we did it when you were young and you survived!" 1) Always place your baby to sleep on his BACK at naptime and night time. NEVER place your baby to sleep on any soft surface!! (adult bed, sofa, chair etc) Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep. Keep your baby close but NOT in your bed! The only time your baby should be on his tummy is while he is awake and doing supervised Tummy time. 2)Use a crib with a firm mattress that fits snugly. Only have baby in crib! Bumper pads are no longer recommended by the AAP.Also NEVER use wedges or positioners to prop your baby up!! These are also not recommended by the AAP. 3) No extra/loose blankets or toys should be in the crib. If you are worried that your baby is going to be cold there are several swaddle blankets on the market that can be used. NEVER dress your baby too warmly for sleep: keep the room temp between 68-72 F 4)Have a fan in the room to help circulate the air. This helps keep good air flowing. Even though your babies feet and hands may seem cold this doesn't mean that they are cold. Their circulatory system is still developing. Hands and feet are one of the last place the blood flows to. The blood moves more often to vital organs where it is needed most so feel babies torso. If it is warm your baby is too! Overheating can leads to SIDS so it is best to avoid overheating your baby. 5) Breastfeed if possible. When you finish feeding(either by Breast of Bottle) place baby back in his or her separate bed or safe sleep area at night.Offer pacifier after feeding baby (if you are breastfeeding wait for 2-4 weeks before using a paci or after breastfeeding has been established) If you would like to co-sleep there are many beds out there that will work and still keep baby on a firm safe surface. 6) NEVER allow someone to smoke around your baby!!! or take your baby into a room or car where someone has been smoking! Don't forget about secondhand smoke as it can linger on a persons cloths and their hair and skin are filled with toxins from the cigarettes. If you follow these note's according to the AAP it can help protect your baby and reduce their chances of SID's
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AuthorI have been a Professional Nanny since 1987 and Debra Gail has been a Professional Nanny since 1986. This is our blog of fun things we find or do with our charges. Archives
October 2016
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