The ABC's of Sleep

When you first find out that you’re pregnant or adopting a newborn, you think about all of the fun things you’ll get to do with your baby. You’ll think about decorating her room in all the pretty pink colors and buying cute outfits with bows that match. You’ll think about dance recitals, prom, graduations, and what she might even be like when she grows up. But the most important thing you need to think about is keeping your baby safe while she’s sleeping and making sure you’re providing her with the safest sleep environment possible. This is where The ABC’s of Sleep come into play. Keep reading to see what The ABC’s of Sleep are and how they will protect your child while she’s sleeping. 

 

 

According to The CDC, in 2016 there were about 3,600 Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) in the United States. These deaths occur among infants less than one year old. The three most common types SUID reported are:

• SIDS 

• Unknown

• Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System, Compressed Mortality File

 

This chart shows the breakdown of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths by cause in 2016. 42% of cases were categorized as sudden infant death syndrome, followed by unknown cause (34%), and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (24%).

 

By knowing The ABC’s of Sleep, you can greatly reduce your baby’s chance of SUID.

 

A- Alone. 

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in the same room as you, but never in the same bed as you. The AAP recommends that a baby sleeps in the same room as the parents for 6-12 months. 

 

There are many products that make it easy to have your baby near you, but not in your bed. From simple bassinets to more deluxe models, there is something for everyone. My personal favorite is the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper. 

 

B- Back.

Your baby should always be placed to sleep on her back. Encourage tummy time during awake periods during the day to prevent plagiocephaly. Your baby should also face alternate directions each night so that her weight is evenly distributed on each side of her head which also helps prevent any flat spots. 

SOURCE: Photo from pathways.org 

 

C- Crib.

Always place your baby in the crib or bassinet. Be sure that your sleep space meets current safety requirements. Your baby’s crib or bassinet should have a firm and flat surface. There should be nothing else in the crib. No pillows, no blanket, no stuffed animals. I recommend using a Bitta Kidda, which doubles as a sleep sack and a lovie all-in-one. Your child’s crib should not have bumpers on it.

 

The safety of our children is the most important job in the world. Knowing The ABC’s of Sleep help us make safer and better choices for our children. 

 

If you need help creating a safe environment for your baby, let’s set up a time to chat. 

 

If your baby is sleeping in a safe environment, but you need help getting longer stretches of sleep throughout the night, I can help! Some things to think about when deciding when you want to start sleep training your baby/toddler:

• Ensure it’s the proper timing- make sure your baby isn’t sick, you aren’t traveling, or you don’t have any big life changes coming (new baby, moving, switching jobs/childcare, etc.).

• Be prepared to put in the work. Consistency will pay off in the long run. Sleep training isn’t overnight success; it takes many nights and dedication to help your baby learn to sleep.

• Create a plan, or invest in a sleep consultant. If you choose to work with me, I will assess your baby’s sleep habits and write a customized step by step sleep plan for your baby. No two plans are the same, just as no two babies are the same. My sleep plans are based on your child’s temperament, age, parental preference and so much more! My sleep packages also come with unlimited support for the duration of your purchase- you can ask me anything and share every triumph and victory!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Dreams!

Missy Yandow