Safe and sound sleep is essential for your baby’s health and growth. It’s also important for new parents to get their eight hours of good sleep so that they can stay well enough to give baby the best care. Young parents may lack the right information or the experience to ensure this. Often, a tired mom or dad falls asleep in front of the TV with the baby asleep on their laps. Or they may share a bed with the baby between them. They may also put the baby down on her/his tummy thinking that this is the right baby bottle to prevent colic.
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Safe Sleep Guidelines
Babies need to sleep for between 12-16 hours (includes naps) till they are a year old. By the age of 12, this duration comes down to 9-12 hours. While these are the ideal time periods recommended, sleep can be an issue with children.
Young parents may lack the right information or the experience to ensure this. Often, a tired mom or dad falls asleep in front of the TV with the baby asleep on their laps. Or they may share a bed with the baby between them. They may also put the baby down on her/his tummy thinking that this is the right way to prevent colic.
Sleep disturbances in babies usually signal the start of new milestones.
Not to alarm you, but statistics show that SUID (sudden unexpected infant death) and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), and accidental deaths due to suffocation is a real and present danger to babies less than one year old.
In the US, the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health monitoring program figures show that nearly 3500 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly. There were 900 babies who died of accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Babies who died of SIDS were usually below 6 months of age.
The leading causes of these unfortunate events include making the baby sleep on its tummy, or not on a flat surface. Babies can suffocate due to the presence of loose objects such as soft toys, pillows, bumper pads and blankets in the bed. The chances of baby getting suffocated are five times higher if they sleep with loose blankets in the bed.
The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that
- infants should be placed on their back to sleep with no other people in that space
- use a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet
- avoid making them sleep on chairs, sofas or other furniture for seating
- keep loose objects out of reach from the sleep space
Remember the ABC of safe sleep
- All by myself
- Back only
- Crib only
With these guidelines in mind, more and more parents are opting for sleep sacks and introducing different types as the baby’s growth and development patterns change. Select the best sleep sacks for baby that are recommended by experts, manufactured by well-known, reputed brands, to the highest standards and from the finest fabrics.
What Are Sleep Sacks?
Swaddling is right for newborns, because it mimics the cozy and snug feel of the womb. They are also right at this stage because the baby doesn’t usually move much. They also prevent sudden jerky movements called the Moro Reflex in babies that usually disturbs their sleep and wakes them up.
However, once the baby starts rolling over, usually by the age of 3-4 months, swaddling is unsafe, because the blankets and swaddling clothes can work loose and baby can pull them over her/his face, leading to suffocation.
At this stage, enter the sleep sack.
They are sleeping bags for babies, and are designed so that the baby cannot crawl or squeeze out of it.
You can call them wearable blankets. They keep baby snug, well covered and warm, without restricting natural movement. They’re more convenient than swaddling, and safer for slightly older infants who can roll over, because unlike swaddling clothes and blankets, they don’t work loose as the baby moves. They’re a great boon if you live in an area that gets really cold, because you can put baby down in the crib quickly, as soon as they fall asleep.
The armless design promotes natural movement of the arms without restricting them. It also keeps the body ventilated. The material is usually a blend of cotton and polyester for easy wash and dry, but you can choose from a variety of fabrics including 100% pure cotton, wool, microfiber etc. These materials can help to maintain optimal body temperature, based on the season and the climate of the area that you live in.
Different sizes are available as your baby grows. You may need larger ones at 6, 18 and 24 months as the child’s size, weight and range of movement increase.
Unlike with swaddling clothes, diaper changes are much easier with the sleep sack because it zips up. They can be easily slipped on over the baby’s PJ’s without disturbing the sleep.
Sleep sacks also have toddler-proof fastenings and zippers that babies can’t reach or open.
Sleep Sack Age: Start and End
You can start the sleep sack routine quite early, at around 3-4 months, or whenever you find that the baby is able to move arms and legs freely. Some experts warn that you should avoid swaddling past the age of 2 months. You may notice that the swaddling blankets become more loose or they may even open out completely. These are warning signs that you should end the swaddling routine at least during sleeping time.
Babies roll over a lot during sleep, similar to how adults change their sleep positions to get comfortable.
It’s a good idea to introduce the baby to the sleep sack during the warmer months of the year, when they don’t need blankets. However, if you do need to start in the cold season, make sure you dress the baby in slightly warmer clothes at bed time.
Some babies may take a while to transition to sleep sacks from swaddling. You can make the move smoother and more comfortable by introducing it gradually. If baby finds it difficult to adjust quickly, allow them to take their time.
There is generally no end time for quitting the sleep sack. These sacks are available in a range of sizes to fit the growing child. Ensure that they don’t cause overheating in babies, or that the fabric is not something that gives rashes, eczema or allergies due to trapped heat.
Most importantly, listen and pay attention to your baby! They are quite vocal about their opinions and can convey discomfort and distress very easily. Some babies enjoy the sleep sack while others may not take to them immediately. Give them and yourself the time to make the transition.
Sleep tight and sweet dreams!