Do and Don't : How to Put a Baby to Sleep

About Do and Don't : How to Put a Baby to Sleep

Most people who care for babies suppose that a baby is always safe while sleeping. However, some sleep situations can lead to injury or death. Young babies have suffocated in soft bedding materials and others have died when they became caught between the mattress and the bed frame. Some babies have even been smothered by a parent who rolled over them while sleeping in the same bed. These Do and Don't : How to Put a Baby to Sleep situations can be prevented.

How to Put a Baby to Sleeping Don't list

• DON’T place your baby to sleep on any soft, loosely filled surface, such as comforters, pillows, sheepskins, or cushions filled with polystyrene beads. These surfaces can mold to your baby’s face and interfere with breathing.


• DON’T allow hanging crib toys (mobiles, crib gyms) within your baby’s reach. Remove any hanging crib toy when your baby begins to push up on her hands and knees or when she is 5 months old, whichever comes first. These toys can strangle your baby.


• DON’T let your baby sleep on a waterbed. Babies can become trapped and suffocate.


• DON’T use thin plastic wrapping materials such as cleaning bags or trash bags as mattress covers. Do not allow these things near your baby. The baby may suffocate if these items are near the face.


• DON’T allow your baby’s head to become covered during sleep.


• DON’T allow cords from drapes or window blinds near the crib. Do not place any items with strings or small parts near the crib. These things can strangle or choke the baby.


• DON’T leave the baby alone on a couch or a bed.

How to Put a Baby to Sleeping Do's list

Place the healthy young baby on his back to sleep. When babies are able to roll over, they can choose their own sleeping position.

• Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to blankets.


• If you’re using a blanket, put your baby with his feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck the blanket around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your baby’s chest.


• Dress your baby in the type of clothing (or cover with the amount of blankets) that you would find comfortable for sleeping.


• Keep the room temperature about 70ºF.


• Be sure your baby’s crib is safe and in good repair.


• Make sure crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby’s head from getting stuck. If you can put a soda can between the bars, they are too far apart.


• Make sure the mattress is firm and fits the crib. The space between the mattress and the crib should not allow more than 2 finger widths.


• Make sure the railing is at least 26 inches higher than the lowest level of the mattress support, so your growing baby can’t climb over it easily.


• Make sure the crib has smooth surfaces, sturdy hardware, and a secure teething rail.


• Place the crib next to an inside wall rather than near an outside wall or window.


• Keep the crib away from radiators and hot or cold air ducts.


• A baby can receive a burn from a radiator. The forced air ducts can dry out your baby’s nose and throat, increasing her susceptibility to respiratory problems.

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