Newborn babies often spend more time sleeping than they do awake. And although they gradually begin adding more waking hours to their days as they get older, sleep is still a major part of a baby's day. As a parent, you should be aware of how to put your baby to sleep to keep her safe through the night.
Proper Sleep Position
Healthy babies should be put to sleep on their backs because they are less likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. Babies should be put to sleep on their backs until their first birthday, but back sleeping is most important for the first six months of life because the risk of SIDS is greatest during this period. Also, make sure that anyone who is responsible for caring for your baby -- baby sitters, day-care providers and relatives -- all know that babies should always be put to sleep on their backs.
SIDS
The American Academy of Pediatrics officially began recommending babies sleep on their backs in 1992, and since that time the number of SIDS deaths in the United States has been cut by more than 50 percent, according to the organization. Doctors are unsure exactly what causes SIDS, but they do know it is more common in babies who sleep on their tummies and who sleep on soft or porous surfaces or bedding, reports the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development. SIDS deaths most commonly occur when babies are between 2 months and 4 months old, and it is the most common cause of death in babies 1 month to 1 year old.
Consistency Sleep Position
It is important that your baby always be put to bed on her back on a firm mattress. Babies who normally sleep on their backs but then are put to sleep on their stomach are at an extremely high risk of suffering from SIDS, the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development reports. A pacifier can also reduce a baby's SIDS risk, but you should not force your baby to take a pacifier. If you are breastfeeding, you should wait to introduce the pacifier until your baby is 1 month old.
Sleep Safety
In addition to putting your baby to sleep on his back, there are several more steps you should take to keep him safe while sleeping. Always use a firm mattress that fits properly in the crib and is covered with a tight-fitting sheet, according to the Michigan Department of Human Services. The crib should also be free of loose blankets, pillows, crib bumpers and toys.
Preventing "Flat Head"
Many parents are concerned that a baby may develop a flat head because he spends so much time sleeping on his back with his head against the crib mattress. Allowing your baby tummy time -- time spent playing while lying on his stomach -- can both prevent against a flattened head and encourage the development of muscles in the neck, head and shoulders, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Just be sure that your baby is closely supervised while enjoying tummy time.
