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Safe Slumber: Tips on Setting Up a Safe Nursery

Safe Slumber: Tips on setting up a safe nursery

Contributed by Wee Sleep Solutions: Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultants

You recently learned that you’re expecting! Congratulations! One of the most exciting things to do when preparing for a baby is setting up and decorating the nursery.  As sleep consultants, we want to ensure all of our little ones are as safe as possible at all times, especially when we put them to sleep.  So here are some of our top tips and reminders for a sound and safe slumber for all of your babies.

Most importantly, always, always, always put your baby down on his or her back. This is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of SIDS. 

Babies should sleep in an empty crib or bassinet with a flat hard surface.  Be sure your crib meets government safety standards; drop-side cribs are no longer permissible and slots shouldn’t be more than 2 3/8 inches apart.  All you need is a tight, fitted sheet on the mattress. I know it’s tempting to make your nursery cute with bumpers and stuffed animals, but these are suffocation hazards.  Plus, animals and blankets look just as cute on a chair or shelf.  Instead of a blanket in the crib, swaddle your baby, and if you feel your baby has outgrown the swaddle or if he has started rolling over, put him in a sleep sack. Studies show that swaddled babies sleeping on their back are at a lower risk for SIDS than are unswaddled babies sleeping on their stomachs. When you swaddle make sure you leave enough room for their legs to extend so you prevent hip dysplasia.

Carefully consider the placement of the crib in the room.  Make sure that no drapery or cords from window treatments are in arms reach.  Similarly, wires of any kind (particularly cameras from video monitors that are often very close to the crib) must be safely secured behind furniture so baby cannot play with them or reach them.  Outlets should be covered throughout the room and furniture should be bolted to the wall.

Your baby will be most comfortable if his room is a dark and calming space.  The ideal room temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees, and your baby should be dressed in clothes similar to what an adult would find comfortable.  Beware of overdressing your baby.  If possible, purchase black out shades for your windows so the room is as dark as possible, especially for naptime and early in the morning. A white noise machine will help muffle other noise in and around the house.  Ensure the nursery isn’t too stimulating; toys, especially those that may spontaneously make noise or have lights flashing, should be put away before sleep time.   

Now that your nursery is set up for safe slumber, go enjoy your little one!

To learn more about how Wee Sleep Solutions can guide your family towards healthy sleep, please visit our website at www.weesleepsolutions.com.  We wish everyone a safe and happy slumber!

 

 

 

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