When you’re a new parent, it’s only natural to have questions and concerns about how to ensure a safe, healthy night’s sleep for your baby. We’ve teamed up with the professionals from Good Night Baby to give you some expert advice on giving your baby the best possible night’s sleep.
Creating a safe sleeping environment
- Use a firm sleeping surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a cot mattress protector under a fitted sheet, to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers. Protect-A-Bed’s Cot Mattress Protector is 100% breathable and 100% waterproof, stopping accidents, vomit, spilt milk and more in their tracks. It’s also easy to remove, machine-washable and can be tumble dried for maximum convenience.
- Do not use pillows, blankets, sheepskins or crib bumpers anywhere in your baby’s sleep area.
- Make sure all soft objects, toys and loose bedding are removed from your baby’s sleeping environment.
- To reduce the risk of SIDS, women should get regular healthcare during pregnancy, and avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs both during and after pregnancy.
- Make sure neither you nor anyone else smokes around your toddler.
- If you give your baby a pacifier during naps or night time sleep, make sure it is dry and not attached to a string.
- Dress your baby in sleep clothing, such as a one-piece sleeper, and do not use a blanket.
- Don’t let your baby get too hot while they sleep. Protect-A-Bed’s Cot Mattress Protector is designed to regulate sleeping temperature, ensuring your baby stays comfortable all through the night.
- Your baby’s sleeping space should be right next to your own, so you can quickly respond to any issues that may arise in the night.
- Your baby should never sleep in an adult bed, or on a couch or chair, whether they are alone or with you or anyone else.
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, both for naps and at night – this will reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Make sure nothing covers your baby’s head.
Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of sleep-related dangers, and do not use a heart or breathing monitor unless prescribed by a doctor.
You should also do everything you can to look after your baby’s everyday health, such as getting vaccines and regular check-ups, breastfeeding your baby where possible, and giving your baby plenty of supervised tummy time when they are awake.
Click here to read Good Night Baby’s Safe Sleep Tips, visit www.goodnightbaby.co.za for even more expert advice, and get your Protect-A-Bed Cot Mattress Protector – guaranteed for 2 years – Available from Baby City and Dischem online.
