Safe rules of sleeping in a bed with a baby & bull; hello healthy

Sleeping in the bed with your newborn may make you more comfortable because you know the baby is beside you while you are asleep. However, actually sleeping with babies is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Why?

Because it turns out that babies aged less than 2 years who sleep in the same bed with you can increase their risk of dying from shortness of breath, SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), choking, or other things. However, other experts disagree with this statement. They consider sleeping in a bed with a baby to be safe and beneficial.

According to Dr. James McKenna, as quoted from La Leche League International, research shows that sleeping in the same bed with the baby while breastfeeding the baby can encourage the formation of mother-baby bonds, regulate mother and baby sleep patterns, help mothers become responsive to baby cues, and can provide adequate rest. for mother and baby. Sleeping in a bed with the baby also helps the mother to give breast milk at night whenever the baby asks for it.

However, if you decide to sleep in the bed well, you still have to do it carefully so that it is not bad for the baby.

Tips for safe sleeping in a bed with a baby

You still have to be careful if you want to sleep in the same bed with the baby. One-on-one, the baby can be crushed by your body, your hand or pillow can cover his airway, and other unwanted events. Take care of your baby as well as yourself if you want to sleep in the same bed with your baby.

The following are things you should do when sleeping in the same bed with your baby.

1. Baby's sleeping position is safe

Make sure your baby's sleeping position is safe. Sometimes, trivial things like this can actually cause sudden death in babies due to obstruction of the airway. Put the baby on his back so that the baby is free to breathe.

You yourself should sleep in a position like the letter C next to the baby. Sleep facing your baby, put one hand on the baby's head and bring your foot closer to the bottom of the baby's feet. This position keeps you awake next to the baby, so it doesn't interfere with the baby's sleep. And, don't let the baby sleep alone.

2. The baby's sleeping environment is safe

Keep the baby away from the environment exposed to cigarette smoke while he is sleeping, either from people who smoke or from objects that are exposed to cigarette smoke, such as clothes, pillows, or blankets. Several studies have shown that babies who sleep with parents who smoke have a higher risk of experiencing sudden death (SIDS).

Also, if your baby is newborn, keep him away from pillows, blankets, or other objects that are on the bed. It is feared that these objects can block the baby's airway so that the baby has difficulty breathing.

In addition, keep babies under 1 year of sleep next to small children. Young children can accidentally roll or kick while sleeping and this can harm your baby. Also, keep pets out of your bed and babies.

3. Bed is safe

Use a comfortable bed with a flat surface. Remember to always put your baby to sleep on the bed, not on the couch or anything like that. If you are afraid that your baby will fall off the mattress, you can place the mattress on the floor and cover it with a rug or pillow on its side. If the bed is next to a wall, provide a barrier between the baby and the wall with a pillow. If you want to use a blanket while sleeping, choose a lightweight blanket and keep the blanket around your waist so it won't cover the baby's head.

4. Wear sleeping clothes that are safe for babies

Adjust baby clothes to the temperature of the surrounding environment. If the weather is cold, you can layered clothes on the baby so that it provides warmth. Meanwhile, if the weather is hot, you can dress the baby in thinner clothes so that the baby does not overheat. In essence, give comfort when the baby sleeps.

5. Pay attention to your own condition

Things that you should look out for yourself when you want to sleep with your baby are:

• Never sleep with your baby if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This can lower your awareness that there is a baby beside you.
• If you or your partner smokes, it's best to change your clothes before sleeping with your baby.
• If you are overweight, it may not be safe to sleep in the same bed with your baby. You need to be very careful when sleeping with your baby. Or you can put the baby to sleep in a crib beside your bed, this is a safer way.
• It's best not to sleep in clothes that have lots of accessories or wear jewelry.