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Keep your sleeping baby safe
STILLWATER, Okla. – Many parents worry about their babies after they put them to sleep. Help keep your baby safe while sleeping by knowing the proper techniques.
Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension parenting assistant specialist, said always place babies under age 1 on their backs when you put them down for sleep.
“You should continue to put them on their backs at naptime and bedtime even after they have learned to roll over,” Richardson said. “When babies start to roll over be sure there is nothing else in the sleep area that could get near their face, such as blankets or soft toys. It’s not necessary to return a baby to their back once they turn over.”
Some parents worry their baby will choke while sleeping on its back, but studies have shown babies are not at risk of choking if they spit up when sleeping on their back.
“Many parents believe babies sleep more soundly on their tummies, but that can be part of the problem. When they sleep so deeply they won’t wake up easily when they might be in danger,” she said. “Not sleeping as deeply may help to protect babies. Babies will adjust to sleeping on their backs if you do it every time.”
To help babies fall asleep, Richardson suggests the following:
- Routines for bed and naps should be kept the same everyday as much as possible.
- Most babies sleep well after a feeding or bath time. Hold the baby when feeding. Do not ever give baby a bottle or sippy cup in the crib.
- Rub baby’s arms and legs gently.
- Keep the crib away from loud noise and use soft lighting. Keep things quiet at least one hour before bedtime.
- Cuddle or rock baby before bed time.
- Use a pacifier when you put baby down to sleep on her back – if baby is breastfed, wait until she is 1 month old or used to breastfeeding before using the pacifier. You do not need to replace the pacifier if baby spits it out after falling to sleep.
Once babies are asleep their safety is important to remember.
Richardson said to make sure the crib mattress or other sleeping surface is firm with a tight-fitting crib sheet and that there is no space for the baby to become wedged on the sides. Keep pillows, quilts, blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and other soft objects out of the crib. Also use light sleep clothing like a one-piece sleeper instead of loose blankets and make sure the sleeper is the right fit. Keep baby’s head uncovered.
It is much safer for infants to sleep separately in a crib or other firm surface with borders than on a sofa, an adult’s bed, or sleeping with another person.
“Remember healthy babies need some tummy time when awake to assist in developing strong muscles,” she said. “Place baby on tummy on a firm, safe surface and play together or stay nearby to keep baby safe. Tummy time for a few minutes a day will also help prevent a flat area from forming on the back of the baby’s head.”
Parents also need to make sure other caregivers such as family members, child care providers or babysitters know how to help baby fall asleep on their back and other ways to keep baby safe while sleeping.
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications
Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State
University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu
