Dr. William Sears, a pediatrician for more than 50 years and father of eight children, coined the phrase “Nighttime Parenting” when his daughter Hayden would not sleep through the night. He and his wife had to work at a “nighttime parenting” style that gave them all the best night’s sleep. What is a good night’s sleep with a newborn? In fact, the medical definition of sleeping through the night is a five-hour stretch, at least during the first year.
Dr. Sears began using the term “nighttime parenting,” not just “how to get your baby to sleep.” His goal was to put together the tools to help parents develop their own individual style of nighttime parenting that helps babies and parents sleep better. And, really, parenting, in a nutshell, is giving your child the tools to succeed in life. One of those tools is to help your baby develop a healthy sleep attitude.
In observance of Baby Safety Month, Dr. Sears answers some of the most frequently asked questions from new parents about safe sleep.
Why do newborns crave closeness?
We all know that babies love snuggles, and there is a biological reason for that. Not only are they trying to recreate what they felt in the womb, but they also have a real need for physical affection as it enhances their emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Babies who are cuddled are more likely to grow into caring adults. This closeness is important at all times of the day, even at bedtime. Babies should share a room with their parents or caregivers as close to the parent’s bed as possible. Keeping your baby within arm’s reach in a bedside bassinet means that a simple touch can calm a fussy baby in the middle of the night.
What are some of the common concerns parents have about a baby’s sleep, and how can they address them?
Parents often have questions about the safety, benefits, and challenges of a baby’s sleep. Using a bedside bassinet is highly recommended for those who prefer to keep their baby close during the night.
A bedside bassinet is designed specifically to allow parents and their babies to sleep close to each other safely. It provides the baby with their own separate sleep area while still being within arm’s reach of the parent, promoting easy breastfeeding and nighttime bonding. Be sure to always place your baby on a firm, flat surface designed for infant sleep. Soft surfaces such as couches, memory foam beds, and air mattresses can pose a risk of suffocation.
Also, make sure that the bassinet is clear of loose or soft items, such as pillows, toys, blankets, and stuffed animals. These items can increase the risk of accidents, including suffocation. Always position your baby on their back to sleep. This position reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
What are the benefits and advantages of using a bassinet for a baby’s first months?
A bassinet provides a snug and secure space for newborns that are specially designed for their size and needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a baby bassinet for the first six months of a baby’s life due to its safety benefits. Bassinets are typically compact and lightweight, making them portable and convenient. You can easily move them from room to room, allowing you to keep an eye on your baby while going about your daily tasks. Bassinets, such as Arm’s Reach® models, allow for easy access to the baby during the night. This is especially beneficial for breastfeeding mothers or for parents who wish to comfort a fussing baby quickly, enhancing bonding and providing a sense of security for the baby- and helping mommy get back to sleep quickly.
What do parents need to know about the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for bassinet use and safe sleep?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides explicit guidelines to ensure the safety of your baby while sleeping. According to the AAP, for the first year of life, and preferably up to six months, babies should share the parents’ bedroom but have a separate sleep surface like a crib or bassinet. This arrangement can lower the risk of SIDS. One of the crucial recommendations is to always place your baby to sleep on their back, a guideline known as ‘Back to Sleep.’ This positioning decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and is recommended until the baby’s first birthday.
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Equally important is the sleep surface. The AAP recommends that babies sleep on a firm surface such as a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The mattress should be covered with a fitted sheet and without any other bedding or soft items in order to prevent suffocation and overheating. Remember, the room-sharing setup is advised. The primary goal of these guidelines is to create a safe sleep environment for your baby to reduce potential hazards significantly.
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