What is the best sleep environment for your baby?

Having a child can be one of the happiest moments in someone’s life. However, it implies also  great responsibility. As a parent, you must make sure the baby is safe all the time, including when he/she is sleeping. Unfortunately, it does seem that many parents do not know how to create the best sleep environment for their child.

According to a new report, babies are put to sleep in dangerous ways that can lead to infant death syndrome. What is really surprising is that this thing happens even though parents know they are being watched.  Researchers analyzed some video recordings that were taken in family homes. What did they discover? Well, the majority of babies were sleeping surrounded by pillows, stuffed animals or crib bumpers. These items can increase the risk of death during sleep. Moreover, because of not paying attention to the sleep environment, more than 3 500 babies die every year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children should be placed on their back to sleep, even though you should think it is more comfortable with blankets and pillows. Another advice would be not to share the bed with your child. It may seem safer, but it is not. You are not aware of how you are moving during your sleep and it is likely possible to put your baby at risk. Dr. Michael Goodstein  said that parents need to be aware that babies might suffocate to be strangled to death when they did not sleep on their backs, in a safe sleep environment.

So which is the best place to put your baby to sleep? First of all, he/she should have his/hers own bed. Moreover, do not put the child on unsafe surfaces or have items, such as stuffed animals and pillows, where the baby is sleeping. Another important thing would be to put the child on his back. If you are using a light during the night, that should be a dim kind. It will help the baby to fall asleep  and produce a calming hormone.

Do not use laptops, smartphones or tablets in the bedroom. Those can be disturbing for the child. Pay attention also to the way your house smells and if the smell could be harmful to the baby. In conclusion, be aware of how your child is sleeping. His/hers sleep environment is one of the most important things you should  take care of, especially during the first months of life.

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