Where can babies sleep?

One of the first questions you need to answer after giving birth is: Where should the baby sleep? A cradle ? Co-sleeper? Your bed ?

This is a decision that deserves serious consideration as it will affect your sleep, your baby's sleep and their safety.

It is obvious that having your baby in your room is the best place for a newborn to sleep! It is more comfortable and much more practical. You can easily hear when your baby is crying, having breathing issues, or otherwise uncomfortable. And, as a bonus: parents who sleep nearby reduce the baby's risk of SIDS . And it is recommended that you keep your baby swaddled next to your bed, in a bassinet, cradle or bassinet for the first six months of life.

The characteristics that the baby bed must have

Make sure your baby's crib has a wide base (so it won't be easy to tip over). It must also have a firm, well-fitting mattress and the sides must have a minimum height of 45cm (measured from the base of the mattress). If you choose a crib, make sure it's safe and properly assembled.

What places should your baby avoid?

Some sleeping places present serious risks for babies . Sleeping on living room furniture, sleeping in an upright position (for example, in a car seat or baby carrier), sleeping in a tilted crib, using a sleep positioner, and sleeping in poorly designed harnesses are all dangerous situations. . To find the best sleeping position for your baby , click here .

What are the risks for babies?

Furniture: Studies from around the world agree: Sleeping on living room furniture is a huge risk! Scottish researchers have found that the risk of SIDS is 67 times higher in babies who have been allowed to sleep on a sofa. The risk is also high for babies who sleep on deckchairs, armchairs, cushions, beanbags and inflatable mattresses.

Car seats: The car seat is another dangerous place for your baby to nap, except for the little naps they take on short car trips. During the first six months of life, a baby's heavy head may fall forward when seated, causing difficulty breathing and asphyxiation.

Baby carriers: And what about baby carriers? Baby carriers are great. They offer a delicious flow of touch, movement and sound, as well as continuous security that it is against you. Plus, they leave your hands free for other work.

However, babies often fall asleep in their snuggly carrier, and there are a few things you should know to keep your baby safe. Make sure:

• That your baby carrier is well in place , that it is not too deep. If your baby sinks too far down, he may suffocate from lack of fresh air. (Your baby should be seated high enough for you to see their face).
• That it supports your baby's back so that his chin does not fall forward and be pushed against his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe or preventing him from calling for help.
• Hold your baby tight enough to keep him from falling.
• That there are no folds in the fabric that could press against his nose or mouth.

And another very important rule: never carry your baby in a baby carrier when handling very hot food or liquids.

Swings: How about sleeping in the swing? Most swings are unsafe because they keep the baby on an incline, which can cause their head to droop forward and restrict their breathing.

Although you have several options for where your baby can sleep, not all of them are safe. So keep that in mind when choosing what's best for your family.

I hope this article has answered your questions. Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments.

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