Newborns bring joy and excitement, but new parents also deal with safety concerns for their baby. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 and 12 months old. Providing a safe sleeping arrangement for your newborn helps protect him from potential dangers.
Location
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends putting your newborn in your bedroom in a separate crib or bassinet. Placing your newborn in your bed while sleeping introduces risk that the baby could suffocate on pillows and blankets in the bed. Other risks include the newborn getting stuck between the mattress and headboard or suffocating after ending up face down in the mattress or soft bedding.
Crib Specifications
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, sets forth guidelines for cribs to ensure their safety for newborns and infants. These guidelines are particularly important to consider if you plan to use an older or secondhand crib. The slats of the crib should be no farther than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent your baby from getting stuck. Cutouts in the headboard and footboard present a hazard for babies. All of the screws, brackets and hardware should be used. A firm mattress that fits snugly into the crib frame provides needed support and prevents a baby from getting stuck between the crib and mattress.
Bedding
Minimal bedding provides the safest sleeping environment for newborns. Many components of traditional baby bedding sets present potential dangers to a baby while sleeping. According to the CPSC, you should never use pillows, comforters, stuffed animals, quilts or bumper pads in a baby's crib. They all present suffocation hazards if the baby gets tangled or presses against them. Breathable bumper pads made from a mesh material are available. Heavy sleepers or sleep sacks are the safest option for keeping your baby warm.
Environment
The sleeping environment also influences a newborn's safety. A smoke-free environment helps reduce the risks of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends breastfeeding your newborn as part of a safe sleep environment. The temperature should be comfortable so your newborn doesn't become too hot. The academy recommends a room temperature that would be comfortable for an adult in light clothing. Signs of a baby who is too hot include sweating, flushed cheeks, rapid breathing and sweaty hair. Remove clothing or adjust the room temperature if your baby becomes too warm.
Other Care Providers
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one in five cases of SIDS happens when the infant is being cared for by another caregiver rather than by a parent. This might be caused by a caregiver who places the baby in a different sleeping position or who uses blankets or adds other soft items to the sleeping situation. Ensure your child's caregiver understands the importance of the sleeping arrangements you specify to keep your baby safe.
