What our parents may not know about safe sleep practices
As a new parent (especially when it is your first!) family and friends enjoy sharing advice that has worked well for them when raising their children. It is only natural – most people find joy in passing on the wisdom they have learned throughout parenthood and hope it will help you as it did them. Sleep often becomes a hot topic in many of these conversations. However, what our parents and grandparents may have done in the past may no longer be considered safe. Numerous sleep recommendations have changed over time.
Take the “Back to Sleep” Campaign as an example. Prior to this campaign in the early 90s, it was believed that putting your baby to sleep on their stomach was the safest position. We now know this is not the case and babies should always be placed to sleep on their back for the first year.
Safe sleeping practices have also changed with regards to crib safety – and unfortunately not all of them are as well known as the Back to Sleep Campaign. In the spirit of learning how to keep your baby safe in their crib, I am going to “pick-on” my own mother a little (who raised 4 children in the 80s/90s!), and share some of the tips she gave me when I was a new mom. I’ll also tell you why these suggestions may no longer be the best advice to follow.
“You should put bumpers around the crib, so he doesn’t get stuck in the rails.”
Many parents are concerned that their child will hurt themselves by getting their legs and/or arms stuck between the crib rails while sleeping and think bumpers are a great solution to prevent this. In fact, many TV shows and movies still show babies sleeping in cribs with fancy bumpers, all color coordinated with the nursery. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advises against using crib bumpers as they could cause entrapment and suffocation. If your baby is getting stuck, you can go into their room and help them by removing their legs/arms out of the rails. Know that injury from getting stuck is often minimal (much less than the risk of bumpers) and your baby will eventually learn how to safely remove their limbs from the rails on their own. In the meantime, the use of a sleep sack can help make it more difficult for your baby to get their legs between the rails.
“He might sleep better with a blanket and a pillow.”
The AAP recommends that no soft objects or any loose bedding be used in your child’s crib for their first year. This can include blankets (even small ones), pillows, stuffed animals, plush toys and positioners. If you are concerned your child is cold at night, a wearable sleep sack is a great way to keep them warm. They come in various thicknesses to accommodate different temperatures and to ensure your baby is comfortable while not overheating during sleep. If you would like to give your child a lovey to sleep with, the AAP recommends waiting until they are 12 months and to keep it on the smaller side ensuring it is no bigger than their head. Regarding pillows, the AAP does not recommend their use until the age of 2. Babies actually sleep well without them. In fact, many toddlers when first introduced to pillows find it to be an adjustment and often sleep with their head on the mattress for a while!
“You can use your old crib for him when you sleep at my house!”
I love a good antique or thrift find! An old crib is not something you want to use for your baby. Crib manufacturer protocols and safety guidelines have changed,meaning older cribs may not be up to current safety standards. In 2011, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released new federal requirements for cribs to increase safety. As part of this update, cribs with drop sides may no longer be sold or even repaired. Additional safety requirements now include stronger wood slats to prevent breaking, anti-loosening devices on crib hardware and more vigorous safety testing for all sleeping spaces. Beyond the crib, it is also important to think of safety when choosing your baby’s mattress. You are looking for a firm mattress, that does not indent when your baby is sleeping on it and a tight-fitting sheet specifically made for the size of your mattress.
Did any of these safety practices surprise you? Share with us on Instagram or Facebook.
References:
How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained - HealthyChildren.org
Resources you may be interested in:
guide to sleeping through the night
Related articles:
Five tips for setting up a sleep promoting nursery
The CPSC just released new guidelines for infant sleep products, here's what you need to know
Infant sleep aids: helpful or harmful?
Our favorite safe baby products:
The safest crib mattress for your baby
These bedding choices will help your baby sleep better