Isn’t it so satisfying to watch your adorable little one sleep peacefully? Why not make them even more comfortable by providing your baby with the best environment for sleeping. We’ll give you some tips on what bed to choose, the appropriate clothing, how to build your nursery, soothing music for your baby and even how to sing your own lullaby to your baby. Not only will this help your baby to sleep sounder and get the necessary 15-17 hours of sleep a newborn baby needs, it will help prevent the possibility of losing your precious bundle of joy to SIDS.

If you aren’t familiar with the term, SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, it’s also sometimes known as cot death. This is the sudden and unexplained death of a perfectly healthy baby.

 

Choosing a Mattress

When choosing a mattress, make sure that the mattress is firm and gives your baby the best support, the heavier the bed, the better. do not buy a soft and quilted mattress! This might pose a suffocation risk for your baby.

Choosing a Crib

When choosing a crib, here are some tips that you need to consider before buying one:

1. Space-saving

It is important for some parents, who have limited space in their home, to buy cribs that are space savers. Some even buy cribs that are collapsible for easy storage or with wheels for easy transport.

2. Stability

Make sure that the crib will be able to stand on its own and does not wobble when used. You can try to give it a shake to know if it is stable or not.

3. Frame size

The crib should be able to accommodate a standard crib mattress (51 ¾ inches x 27 3/8).

4. Versatility

Buying a crib should be a great investment and so it is advised to buy a crib that may be used in the future. Some cribs can be converted into a toddler bed or a headboard that looks like new furniture without even buying a new one.

5. Adjustable mattress height

You should be able to adjust the height of the mattress according to the age of the baby. The older your baby gets, the lower the mattress should be to avoid any chances of fall and injury.

6. Do not buy a crib with drop sides

This crib is dangerous for your baby as the movable railings can get loose causing your baby to be strangled and suffocated and even trapped in the crib.

7. Do not buy a bumpers

We know you truly cherish your little one and even though bumpers have a good purpose, studies show that it can pose a risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.

8. Do not buy previously used cribs

Old cribs might have defective or loose tools and hinges. Some used wood cribs might not be as smooth as they were before and can cause splinters.

9. Do not put soft objects inside the crib

It is not recommended to put toys, pillows, comforters or any object in the crib as they can cause suffocation and even strangulation.

Does your crib need an upgrade? Read here about how to safely paint a crib.

Choosing Bedding

When choosing a bedding, use a waterproof bed cover and a soft but tightly fitted bedding sheet. You can choose between knit cotton, flannel and high-count woven cotton as options for the bedding fabric. This can prevent the mattress from being soiled from urine and feces. Make sure that it is machine washable and that you clean it weekly using a mild, unscented detergent.

Set of newborn sleep sacks

Clothing recommendations for your baby

For newborns:

Let your newborn wear sleep sacks, wearable sleep blankets or comfortable onesies. Make sure that the clothing is not too loose and does not have hoods that might cover over the baby’s face. During winter, add a layer of clothing to keep your baby warm and lessen clothing during summer to prevent your baby from overheating. Anything with small parts like zippers, rhinestones, buttons etc should be avoided, as they can block airways and lead to death.

Properly dressing your baby for sleep is crucial to their safety.

Click this link for this comfortable sleep sack with safety tab that keeps zipper away from baby’s chin.

Extremes of temperature are related to an increased risk of SIDS. Let your baby wear these kinds of clothing until age of 1.

For infants:

From 1 year old on wards, infants are no longer at risk for SIDS. Hence, they can wear comfortable clothes and blankets that have hoodies attached to it. Still, do not buy clothes that have loose strings and loose designs as they could cause strangulation and are flame-susceptible.

Sleep sacks are great for newborns. Once your children get older, you can start looking for sleeping bags for your toddler for camping and sleepovers. Click here to look into product details and latest pricing on Amazon.

 

Building your nursery

It is advised for your newborn child to sleep in a co-sleeper with you until the age of 12 months, so you will still have a lot of time preparing for their room. Here are some things that you need to consider when building a nursery:

1. Ventilation

Make sure that the room that you will transform into a nursery is well-ventilated and well-lit. There should be windows that allow natural sunlight to enter the room.

2. Temperature

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the temperature of the room should be between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is to make sure that the room is not too cold nor too hot for your baby.

3. Safety

Make sure that you “child-proof” your room. One way you can do this is to keep the bed/crib away from the drapes, curtains or blinds that are considered as strangulation hazards. Also,make sure that you cover the sockets and put corner guards to prevent your child from any possible harm. Store your baby’s supplies that might be toxic in a high shelf and out of your baby’s reach.

When making a layout for your nursery, put the crib near the entrance of room so that it will be easier for you whenever you wake up in the middle of the night. Also, put the changing table near the crib so that you won’t have to carry your baby across the room just to change his/her diapers. Double the amount of supplies and storage so you won’t need to go to the grocery store every now and then.

If your toddler is constantly putting up a fight when it comes to sleeping, learn the tidying trick that will have them drifting off to sleep in no time.

Music

Playing white noise or soothing music before or during your baby’s sleep does not only help them sleep but also has great effects on your baby’s brain development. Some studies show that through music, babies and toddlers are able to understand their feelings better. It also enhances their ability to decipher and solve problems and even to discover the amazing world around them.

Baby with headset
Classical music is the music of choice for babies. It was found that classical music is not only relaxing but also proven to be an effective intervention in reducing sleep problems in babies. It is also a cheap and effective way to treat insomnia.

One way of sprucing up your childs nursery  is to add a night light projector, helping kids to relax and fall asleep calmly. Click here to view product on Amazon.

Sleep isn’t just important for babies. It’s important for mommies, too. Check out these seven sleep saving tips for moms.

 

Sing-a-lullaby

Singing a lullaby to your baby helps you bond with your baby. You don’t need to memorize a song or sing the usual songs for babies. You can make your own song just by looking at your baby or even sing a story that you know.

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Astley Golosinda profile photo
Astley Golosinda

My background is in the field of medicine and I have a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. My thesis in Nursing was also published on Journal of Gerontology

For the past 4 years, I continued my studies and dedicated my time to acquiring a Doctorate of Medicine. I was a working student all throughout my post-doctorate degree. I have clinical experience in the hospital both as a nurse and now as a medical student.

Dr Dmitro - radiologist
Dr Dmitro Kyiashko

Dr Dmitro is doctor-radiologist and a freelance writer. He is passionate about medicine, writing, and music.

Dr Dmitro graduated from the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya in 2016 and has since worked for more than 5 years in the various Ukrainian healthcare institutions.  He loves to boost his medical expertise at the same time as partaking in his love for writing.

In hs spare time Dmitro enjoys playing different musical instruments, like drums, guitar and bass.