Healthy Baby Sleep

1. Back is Best

Always place baby on his or her back for sleep – for nighttime sleep AND nap time sleep. The back sleeping position reduces the risk of SIDS. 

2. Swaddling

Pediatricians recommend swaddling baby for sleep time during the first three months. Babies have the Moro or startle reflex until approximately 3 months of age, which causes them to flail their arms and legs and wake themselves up. Swaddling helps reduce awakenings caused by the startle reflex. Babies sleep better when swaddled and on their backs. The Slumber Swaddle™ with the original Snap-In-Place™ system is the perfect accessory to the Slumber Sleeper™ for newborns and it takes the guesswork out of swaddling! Just snap, wrap and tie. Even though your child may have grown out of swaddling they will be able to continue to feel that wonderful feeling of being held and secure while still using their Slumber Sleeper™, and arms-free sleep sac that uses the same Snap-In-Place™ system.

3. Temperature Awareness

Most medical experts recommend a sleep environment of 65-72°F (18-22°C). It is important to dress your baby appropriately for sleep. 

As a general guide, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends dressing baby in no more than one layer more than an adult would use to be comfortable in the same environment. Babies are not good at regulating their own temperatures. No blanket can naturally regulate baby’s temperature for them, so parents need to touch and feel their baby to ensure baby is not too hot or too cold. Your baby’s tummy is an excellent representation of their core temperature.

4. Firm Sleep Surface

Baby should sleep on a firm sleep surface, in a bassinet, cradle or crib near the mother’s bed, without any soft toys, pillows or loose bedding. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a fitted sheet on the baby’s mattress. Babies should not be placed for sleep on water beds, quilts, pillows, sheepskins, or other fluffy surfaces. 

5. No Soft Objects

No soft objects or loose bedding should be in baby’s bed during sleep time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no stuffed animals, no sheepskin, no quilts, no positioners, no pillows, and no bumpers should be in your child’s crib while they are sleeping.

6. Keep all cords away from crib

Electrical cords from video monitors, cameras and window treatments should be kept a minimum of three (3) feet away from baby’s crib and secured completely out of child’s reach. Cords are a strangulation hazard.

7. Smoke Free Environment

Always keep baby’s environment smoke-free by not smoking when pregnant, near your baby, or in an area where your baby spends time or sleeps. Maternal smoking during pregnancy has emerged as a major risk factor in almost every epidemiologic study of SIDS.

8. Ventilation

Be sure that air can circulate freely around baby’s face. A small fan in baby’s room can increase ventilation, but should not blow air directly on baby.

9. Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is encouraged. Breastfeed, if you can. Research shows that any amount of breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS along with the many proven physical and emotional benefits breastfeeding offers.

10. Tummy Time

Allow time for tummy time when baby is awake and supervised. Place baby on tummy during play time. Please remember that baby should ALWAYS be placed to sleep on his back.

11. Colic

Colic is believed to occur when a baby is sensitive to the environment surrounding them-which can cause baby to be very unsettled, or when gas forms in the belly causing discomfort.

12. White Noise

Soothing white noise can help your baby sleep more restfully and lessen noise interference that may stir or wake baby causing interrupted sleeping habits.

13. Wish your child sweet dreams and a restful sleep :)

The Slumber Sleeper™ is a 4-in-1 safe sleep solution that has longevity unlike most baby products. It’s designed for newborn babies (7lbs) used in conjunction with the Slumber Swaddle and goes up to 2 years and also comes in a twin size for toddlers up to 4 years.  The Slumber Sleeper™ combines a mattress protector, fitted sheet, flat sheet, and a sleep sack all in one to help baby fall asleep and sleep safely throughout the night. The unique design of the Slumber Sleeper™ is intended to keep baby feeling safe, warm, and centered in bed giving them the benefits of long-term sleep training.   

For more information on the Slumber Sleeper™ and to purchase visit http://www.swanling.com.