Congratulations on your new baby! Nothing is sweeter than watching your new baby, or even your older baby sleep peacefully. When baby is not sleeping well though, it gets a little tiresome, quickly. Getting your baby to sleep well can seem like a really daunting and impossible task at times. I promise though, that if you learn how to create the best sleep environment for your baby now, you will become a pro at getting your baby to sleep in no time!
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Creating The Best Sleep Environment For Baby
Whether you have a newborn baby or an older baby or even toddler, creating the best sleep environment is one of the most important things to consider when planning to get your baby to sleep.
While the age of your baby will determine how long she can sleep without waking for food, a safe and comfortable sleep environment will help your baby sleep to her maximum potential. This, in turn, helps you to get more and better sleep as well!
Related: Teach Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night
Consider the safety of baby’s sleep environment-
Safety is the number one priority when it comes to creating the environment your baby will sleep in. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that newborn babies are placed on their backs to sleep only, and that there are no heavy blankets, bumpers, pillows, or stuffed animals in the crib with the baby.
The AAP also recommends that for at least the first six months of baby’s life, that he sleep in the same room with the parents, but that he should always have his own sleeping surface. All of these recommendations are made to prevent SIDS, and they are very effective in doing so when the parents follow these guidelines.
Key Takeaways:
- Make sure your baby has a sleeping area with a tight fitting sheet, and nothing else in her crib (even light weight loose blankets should be avoided for a newborn).
- Always put your baby to sleep on her back. Always. (once she is able to turn herself over on her own you may not need to turn her back over, but this is something you should discuss with her pediatrician).
- Always provide her with her own sleeping area that is separate from parents, but in the same room for the first 6 months.