Safe and sound: tips for safe sleep spaces and practices
Rock a bye baby, on the tree tops
When the wind blows the cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks the cradle will fall,
And down will come baby, cradle and all.
… it’s not so relaxing when you read the lyrics, huh?
Clearly our safety standards have changed since the days of rock-a-by-babies nestled in tree tops. And while we can’t rewrite the nursery rhymes of the past, we can create safe spaces for our babies to play, grow, and, (our personal favorite), rest.
it’s safety seasoN…
September was National Baby Safety Month, and October is Children’s Health Month. This week we’re celebrating Healthy Spaces Week; prompting us to ensure that the spaces where our children spend their time—at home, school, or the playground—are designed with their safety in mind. The emphasis on child safety and overall well-being during this time of year serves as an important reminder for parents to refresh their knowledge on the latest safety standards. While this task can feel daunting, A Restful Night is here to simplify safe sleep for your baby.
KNOW YOUR SOURCE:
Before you take our advice, I feel it’s important to highlight that our team of sleep experts are certified through the Center for Pediatric Sleep Management. We are committed to following and educating others on safe sleep guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics. As a mother of four myself, I only share advice that I follow with my own family.
let’s start with infant safety…
Safe sleep spaces Are:
Firm: Regardless of whether your infant sleeps in a crib, bassinet, or pack and play, they should sleep on a firm and flat surface with no incline. Swings, pillow-like products (not naming names!) and adult mattresses are not safe for infant sleep.
Empty: Keep your baby’s sleep space free of all toys, pillows, blankets or bumpers. This includes products that are marketed as “breathable”. If your child is under 12 months of age nothing should be in the crib except for a pacifier!
Separate from yours: Avoid bed sharing or co-sleeping. This practice significantly raises the risk of infant death, suffocation and injury.
Safe Sleep Practices Include:
Placing your infant on their back for all naps and nighttime sleep.
Unswaddling your baby as soon as they show signs of rolling.
Waiting until your baby is over 12 months old to introduce a comfort item or lovey, and making sure it is soft and free of batteries, buttons or anything that could detach and become a choking hazard.
Safe Sleep Practices Don’t End After Infancy …
MAKE TODDLER SAFETY A PRIORITY:
So much of safe sleep is geared toward infants, where the risks of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is highest. Safety precautions are equally important once your child moves into toddlerhood, most notably…
Discourage Crib Climbing:
If your child is showing signs of crib climbing you should firmly discourage it and communicate it is dangerous. If your child is continuing to show signs of climbing you will need to move to a bed where they will be safer.
Safety Proof the Room:
Once your child is in a bed, their room becomes their crib. This is a time to ensure the room is safety proofed to the highest degree. This includes securing furnities to the walls, eliminating chords and installing a gate or a door lock if needed – no one needs a toddler roaming around the house!
Less is More:
The younger the child, the lower the impulse control. If your child is getting distracted or leaving their bed to play with toys or get into trouble you will need to take extreme caution and remove everything from the room. It’s not ideal, but it’s not forever!
…are you beginning to notice a trend?
Safe sleep is mostly about simplicity. Nothing beats a firm mattress, empty crib, and a well informed parent. By understanding and implementing safe sleep spaces and practices, you can provide your little one with the restful sleep they need to thrive. As we celebrate Healthy Spaces Week and reflect on the importance of child safety during National Baby Safety Month and Children’s Health Month, remember that informed parents are empowered parents.
… not sure your child’s sleep space is safe?
Doubt and worry don’t have any place in your bedtime routine. We want you to feel confident that your child is sleeping in the safest way possible. At A Restful Night we prioritize safety by starting every Two-Week Full Support Program with a sleep space assessment. Our sleep consultants will review your baby’s bedroom for safety first, then offer tips for creating a soothing environment for sleep. We also offer 30 and 60 minute Ask Meg Anything Calls where you can have all your sleep questions answered by a certified sleep expert.
We’re here to help! Together, we can create nurturing spaces and routines that uphold the highest safety standards for your little ones. If you’re interested in learning more about our programing, please reach out to book your complimentary consultation call.
Meg O’Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the Founder of A Restful Night. She and her team offer sleep training support to families worldwide.
