Baby sleeps face down in mattress: My Baby Sleeps Face Down In The Mattress

My Baby Sleeps Face Down In The Mattress

Is Sleeping Face Down In A Crib a Problem for Babies?

Babies can only do a few things especially during the first few months of life. One of the things that babies are experts at is sleeping. Different babies will sleep in different positions on the mattress; as a matter of fact, some babies will have their own unique, favorite sleeping style.

The main purpose of this article is to help parents know if it is alright for the baby to sleep face down in the mattress. I want the parents to know more about the baby’s different sleeping positions, as well as the hidden danger that the parents should watch out for their babies while they sleep.

Here’s what you need to know if your baby sleeps face down.

What Is SIDS And How Can It Affect My Baby?

Parents who are taking care of a little baby should put SIDS on top of their worry list. This is because Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS, can happen unexpectedly and there is still no solid explanation about why it happens to 1 out o 1000 infants.

Some risk factors for SIDS are: low birth weight, brain abnormalities and respiratory infection. The baby’s sleeping position is also another huge factor that parents must put into consideration if they want to help their babies avoid SIDS.

This is because the baby needs to inhale oxygen and release carbon dioxide properly while sleeping. If the baby sleeps with his or her face down, the intake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide will be diminished. This is why for the past decade the “back to sleep” campaign has been enforced.

Parents are advised to make sure that their babies sleep on their backs because the baby can breathe better in this position. As a matter of fact, there has been a 50% decline in the incidence of SIDS ever since the campaign was launched.

SIDS results in the death of the infant, and although letting the baby sleep on his or her back will not guarantee that the child will not have SIDS, it is one way for the parent to decrease the child’s risk for this condition.

What Is The Best Sleeping Position For The Baby?

Babies know how to sleep soundly, and while a lot of people think that a sleeping baby is what parents want so that they will have a momentary respite, parents know for a fact that the silence can sometimes be unnerving. This is why most parents feel the need to check on their babies even during sleep.

Without a doubt, parents would be shocked to see their babies sleeping with their faces planted firmly on the mattress. While this may not be a concern especially for babies who already know how to lift their head up and roll over, it might be wise for parents to train their babies not to sleep this way.

This is because according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the safest sleeping position for babies is on his or her back. Although the child can sleep on his or her side temporarily, parents should try their best to avoid letting the baby sleep with his or her face down so that the child can avoid having SIDS.

How Can I Stop My Baby From Sleeping Face Down?

One of the best ways for the parents to make sure that the baby does not sleep with his or her face down is to train your baby from the very beginning to sleep on his or her back. Some experts also say that during the first few months, the baby should sleep in the same room with the parents.

You can train the baby to sleep on his or her back by elevating the head of the crib. You can also use a reflux wedge, and you can extend his or her arms so the baby will not roll over. If the baby does rolls you can encourage the baby to sleep on his or her back by flipping the baby as soon as he or she sleeps.

This will allow the parents to be able to check the baby more often. The experts however, discourage parents and babies to sleep on the same bed as this can increase the baby’s risk for SIDS. You should also make sure that the baby’s bed does not have anything that might become a breathing obstruction.

It is much safer to let the baby freely roll over than for parents to use blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys to keep the baby in place. You can use positioning products like the Swanling Slumber Sleeper to keep the baby on his or her back, or an air permeable mattress so the baby to breathe even with the face down.

Conclusion

SIDS is definitely a very serious matter that parents should be aware of. This problem can happen if you let newborn babies sleep with his or her face down, this is why parents should always make sure that the baby sleeps in the proper position. SIDS however, rarely happens to babies 13 months old and up.

Experts say that parents with babies who already know how to lift his or her head up and roll over should not be overly worried if the baby sleeps with the face down. But if you want to stay safe, you should let the baby sleep in the proper position, and you should also consider using the right products.

Baby Sleeping Face Down in Mattress: Is It Safe?

Whether you’re a first-time mother or not, we’re sure you want the best for your babies. Even if it means scouring through the internet to find the correct answers

Today, we’ll talk about one of the frequently asked questions by parents. Is it safe when a baby sleeps face down? Let’s find out.

Defining SIDS: Babies Should Sleep on Their Back

It all boils down to SIDS. Allowing infants to sleep face down and on their stomachs, instead of their back, exposes them to a lot of risks.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also referred to as crib death, has gained a lot of attention these days for being the number one cause for a baby’s death and infants.

It’s a condition that can happen as the baby sleeps face down.

Research shows that, on average, boys are more likely to suffer from SIDS than girls.

With an increasing number of deaths because of SIDS, people have varying views on how babies should be sleeping. Is it safe to let them sleep on their stomachs?

Or is it better if they sleep on their back?

And because of the increasing number, answering this question has never been as crucial as today.

SIDS happens so suddenly. It is also more likely to happen when a baby sleeps face down.

One moment your infant could be sleeping, and the next, they could be suffering from SIDS. And it’s all because your baby sleeps face down.

They can suddenly die, despite being healthy just a few minutes ago.

While this isn’t an easy subject to discuss, a mother needs to know the risks involved with stomach sleeping.

The campaign against stomach sleeping continues, making sure parents put their babies to sleep on their backs instead of their stomachs.

Understanding the Causes of SIDS: Keeping Your Baby Safe

Your baby sleeps pretty much all day. It’s a natural occurrence that people don’t pay close attention to what’s going on.

Our advice to keep your baby safe?

Watch your baby sleep, or at least check on them once in a while. It’s a habit you MUST form.

You need to be able to tell whether there’s anything unusual with how they sleep and how they breathe. Doing so puts you in a better place to be aware of SIDS and the risk it brings.

Suffocation

If your baby sleeps face down and on its tummy, they’ll likely suffer from SIDS because of suffocation. Your baby lays flat on the material they sleep in, cutting any source of oxygen.

It’s a fact that babies are fragile beings, especially if it’s a newborn. They aren’t able to right their heads just yet and rollback.

Once your baby sleeps face down, and they’ve rolled over to their tummies, it’s up to you to help them back.

Whenever a baby sleeps face down, they risk suffocating.

They exhale carbon dioxide and end up breathing in carbon dioxide instead of oxygen.

Carbon dioxide poisoning could very likely happen. It’s when they don’t have access to oxygen or have limited access to it because the baby’s bed or pillows obstruct their face.

Poor Brain Development

Unfortunately, infants born with brain problems are susceptible to SIDS.

This is because the defect in their brain affects their ability to control their breathing and their ability to naturally wake up.

This is especially true for babies born prematurely and needs a little time in incubation to develop.

Sharing the Same Bed

Many parents make the mistake of sharing the same bed with their baby. While it’s a thoughtful and sweet gesture, parents are better off letting their baby sleep independently.

Unfortunately, letting your baby sleep with you in the same bed puts them at a higher risk for suffocation.

One parent might accidentally roll over to the baby, causing suffocation (Very rare).

My Baby Sleeps Face Down. Is It Okay?

The answer: So far, the majority rules that babies should sleep on their backs.

Back in the days, stomach sleeping wasn’t too much of an issue.

Parents hardly talked about this topic, nor was there any controversy about it. Back then, stomach sleeping was pretty common and wasn’t a cause for concern.

Over time, there’s been a debate and varying opinions on whether a baby should be sleeping on their backs or face down.

Researchers were able to discover that a baby sleeping on its stomach is likely to suffer from SIDS. Certainly, no parent would want their child to suffer this fate, especially if it can be avoided.

When Can Babies Start Sleeping Face Down?

Your baby will eventually start to sleep face down and on their stomach. Putting their heads against the bed feels much better and cooler than laying on their back.

It’s the same with how adults naturally sleep face down, and they don’t even know that it has already happened.

Knowing when your babies can start sleeping face-down is crucial so that you can closely monitor your babies during their most vulnerable stages.

That being said, babies can sleep face down. As to when it will be is a matter we’ll discuss below.

Hold off During the Baby Development Stage

This is not an ideal stage for babies to sleep face down.

The development of babies differs. A baby may develop faster than others, while some take some time.

Monitor the development of your baby closely, and understand their movements. At some point, your baby will start developing instincts crucial for their growth.

You’ll notice they start being more alert, and they can more or less have a feel of the situation they’re in.

When it comes to tummy sleeping, you want to pay close attention to how your baby sleeps face down, mainly whether your baby can move its head.

In general, you want your infant to move their head to the side when their stomach is sleeping. This makes sure they get ENOUGH OXYGEN as they sleep.

If they still aren’t able to right themselves, then it’s not yet the safe time for them to do stomach sleeping. You do not want to risk the safety of your baby at all costs.

As much as possible, you still want to check on your child to minimize the occurrence of any breathing difficulties or any danger involved with SIDS.

Start During the Better Movement/Walking Stage

This is an ideal stage for babies to start sleeping face down safely.

Soon enough, once your baby starts to learn some movement, stomach sleeping won’t be as risky as before! They can finally lay on their stomach and back without difficulty.

Most likely, your baby can already start moving around and even walk. They can already roll their head and neck back and forth, and side to side.

We recommend that you wait for this stage before you allow your baby to sleep face down. It’s less risky than banking on the possibility your baby can manage on their own.

What Can I Do to Prevent My Baby From Sleeping Face Down?

No matter how securely you place your babies on their backs, they somehow manage to roll themselves in such a way they start stomach sleeping.

And this is something you can’t avoid on your own.

But through time, your baby will naturally take on the sleeping position and get used to it. But for now, you ought to know that there are easy solutions to let your baby sleep on its back at all times.

#1 Swaddle Your Baby

Most parents swaddle their babies at all times. It keeps the baby secure and helps them stay warm. Moreover, it prevents the baby from rolling over.

Swaddling involves wrapping up a baby in such a way they can still move their hips and their hands. As much as possible, give them enough BREATHING ROOM whenever they’re swaddled.

If you want your baby to sleep on their backs, consider swaddling them. They won’t accidentally sleep on their stomachs.

#2 Choose a Firm Mattress

There’s a ton of mattresses out there, but not all of them are safe for infants.

Some have a soft surface that can instantly take the form of your baby. Just imagine when your baby starts sleeping on its stomach when you use a soft mattress.

A soft mattress will envelop the heads of your baby and lead to suffocation. This is what you want to avoid.

The best solution?

Choose a firm and reliable branded mattress that won’t form a dip whenever you lay heads on it. Whenever your baby rolls to its tummy, you don’t have to worry about the material engulfing them.

#3 Have a Baby Monitor

A lot of mothers rely on baby monitors to supervise their babies.

They can watch as their baby sleeps face down or on their back. If babies end up on their stomachs, parents can quickly get to their children and put them back in the correct position.

The beauty of using a baby monitor is that parents can always check on what’s going on. Regardless if their baby is asleep or not, a monitor comes in pretty handy.

#4 Keep the Crib Bare

Avoid placing unnecessary things inside the crib. The only thing you’ll need inside is a safe and firm mattress.

Unnecessary objects can obstruct the breathing of your baby, especially when they suddenly roll on their stomachs. Babies risk pressing their heads against it and end up suffocating.

Also, avoid any harsh smells and scents around your sleeping baby, as that can distract them from sleep. For example, mentholated Vapopads (like Vicks) can keep them awake.

#5 Keep the Bed of Your Baby Near You

You never know when your baby starts to sleep on its stomach. This is why it’s better to have a clear view of your baby sleeping.

You can place the bed of your baby in the same sleeping area or room as you. This is way better than leaving them to sleep in a room by themselves.

Sharing the same room with your baby allows you to put them back to their original position whenever they roll onto their stomach.

#6 Visit Your Doctor

If you’re new to parenting, we’re sure you’ve got a ton of questions in mind.

You still lack the proper knowledge and experience regarding parenting, which is why we highly recommend you visit a doctor.

You can ask for advice and recommendations to help you take care of your baby. Plus, doctors are more likely to be equipped with a ton of information and give sound advice based on their experience.

Conclusion

No parent wants their child to suffer from sudden infant death syndrome. It’s highly preventable, and you’ll have to keep your baby on its back when it’s time to sleep.

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to give it a like and share it with your fellow parents. This one simple act of sharing this sleep campaign can save someone and their babies.

Changelog:

August 3, 2022 – minor content updates

July 23, 2021 – updated article links

The child buried his nose in the mattress – Question to a pediatric neurologist

I have a few questions for you: 1) could the child get little air at that time, breathe with difficulty, and could this cause oxygen starvation of the brain with consequences?
– no
2) is it possible to check this somehow and is it necessary?
– no
3) I thought as a version that he could roll over to play and was tired or passed out with his nose in the mattress. Is it possible to somehow track if the child had a loss of consciousness? nine0003 – “On the edge of the nose and lips, a slight redness, like a bruise” – this is not clear – it means he hit – how?

In general – follow the recommendations:
Prevention of sudden death syndrome in a child of the first year of life
(Dr. The progress of medicine and preventive vaccinations have led to a sharp decrease in infant mortality from infections and other known diseases. After that, one of the main causes of death in children of the first year of life was the so-called “sudden death syndrome” of a child of the first year of life (infant age) from an unknown cause. Abbreviated as SIDS in English. nine0008

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (also known as “cradle death”) is defined as the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after thorough autopsy examinations. In the US, SIDS occurs in about 1 in 500 births, usually in children 2 to 6 months of age (more common at 2 to 4 months of age). Most often this tragedy occurs between midnight and 6 am, in December and January. Approximately 7,000 children die from SIDS each year in the United States, and this is the leading cause of death in children in their first year of life. nine0008

There are many theories, but none of them have been proven, and the cause of this syndrome remains unknown. According to the prevailing concept, the cause should be sought in a congenital disorder of sleep mechanisms. Outwardly, such children look healthy and behave like everyone else, but they are distinguished by the imperfection of the system that regulates breathing. Each person has a center in the brain that regulates breathing and maintains a normal level of oxygen in the blood. When oxygen drops or carbon dioxide levels rise excessively (this happens when a person stops breathing or holds his breath), the control center automatically stimulates breathing. It would seem that this defense mechanism should continue to work during deep sleep. However, for some children, for some unknown reason, breathing does not automatically resume. SIDS occurs in children who have a disturbed mechanism for reducing the depth of sleep with its dangerous deepening, similar to death due to the suppression of vital functions. These children may have sleep apnea. nine0008

The term apnea means: “a” – absence, “pnea” – breathing. Death in the cradle is associated with the cessation of breathing. Observe the breath of a newborn baby. You will notice that he is breathing unevenly. The child takes several short breaths of varying lengths, then a deep breath, and then there is a 10-15 second period (apnea) when he does not seem to be breathing. But then he takes a deep breath again (and you too), and the cycle continues. This is irregular breathing, the so-called Cheyne-Stokes breathing. Residents of the USSR learned about the existence of such a respiratory disorder at 1953 from bulletins on the state of health of Stalin, who was dying after a stroke.

However, these periods of apnea are normal for infants during the first weeks of life. The smaller the child, the less regular breathing, especially in premature babies. Breathing becomes more regular towards the end of the first month.

Which apneas are dangerous and which are not? Different authors have slightly different criteria for normal and pathological apnea. But, of course, apneas that last more than 15-20 seconds are considered dangerous. Shorter apneas are dangerous if they are accompanied by blue or blanching of the face or nasolabial triangle. The frequency also matters – if more than thirty apneas are noted during the period of night sleep (7 hours) or three apneas in 1 hour, then shorter (from 15 to 10 seconds) apneas are also considered dangerous. Even if they are not accompanied by cyanosis or blanching. nine0008

Apnea monitors exist in the West. They are installed near the crib and give a signal for apnea. However, they are not very reliable and often give false signals. The feasibility of their use is questionable.

What to do if you have dangerous sleep apnea? Artificial mouth-to-mouth respiration – until the child inhales independently. How to do artificial respiration for a child of the first year of life – look on the Internet.

But sudden death need not be preceded by apnea. That’s why she’s sudden. To prevent sudden death, all parents should observe the following conditions for ensuring the safety of the child in the cradle and organizing his sleep:

1. Sleep on your back. A baby sleeping on their stomach is 5 to 10 times more likely to die than a baby who sleeps on their back. Why is it safer to sleep on your back? First, sleep on the back is less deep than on the stomach. And the sudden death of a child usually occurs during deep sleep. Secondly, it turned out that during sleep regurgitation (reflux) in the position of the child on the back, the gastric contents enter the stomach more easily or are more efficiently excreted from the mouth than in the prone position. The chance of choking decreases (leakage of gastric contents through the bronchi into the lungs is called aspiration). nine0008

Why do we even discuss sleeping on the back or stomach. After all, the supine position is the traditional sleeping position of a human infant. The fact is that in the western part of the globe in 1970-1990 there was a fashion for the position on the stomach. “Advanced” psychologists assured that sleeping on the stomach accelerates the development of children. In fact, the position on the stomach is necessary for the development of the child, but only when he is awake. When awake, it is completely safe for a healthy newborn. The fact is that although the newborn cannot still raise his head, he can reflexively turn it to the side if something interferes with his breathing. Although you should not leave a newborn unattended in this position. Basically, this head-turning reflex is also triggered during sleep. However, not only in a child with pre-perinatal lesions of the nervous system, but also in a child without obvious abnormalities, hidden disturbances in sleep mechanisms are possible. In this case, there may be too deep sleep with a temporary disappearance of the reflex of turning the head to the side. But, as usual, belatedly responding to Western fashion, some authors in the post-Soviet literary and Internet space still promote the fashion of sleeping on their stomach. nine0008

Since 1994, a national “Back to Sleep” campaign has been launched in the US to convince parents that their babies should sleep on their backs, on their sides, but not on their stomachs. The desired effect was not achieved immediately – habits and family traditions turned out to be very persistent. However, over 4 years of a large-scale educational campaign, the number of small Americans sleeping on their stomachs has almost halved, and the number of cases of “death in the cradle” has been reduced by a factor of three.

From 4-5 months of age, most (but not all) healthy babies begin to roll over on their own during sleep from a position on their back to a position on their side, and then on their stomach. It is impossible to watch over a child older than 4-5 months and turn him over on his back all night. But before 10-12 months of age, if you find yourself next to the baby during his sleep and see that he is lying on his stomach, then turn him over on his back. After a year of life, there is no need to control the posture of the child. Let him sleep how he wants. nine0008

However, if the child has risk factors for sudden death syndrome: respiratory arrest (apnea) during wakefulness or sleep, especially for more than 20 seconds, epileptic seizures or convulsions, repeated spitting up long after eating, especially during sleep, etc. – it is desirable after 5-6 months. Strictly observe the position on the back. This may require special styling. For example, a special sleeping bag, which is attached to the sides of the bed with special straps, which makes it impossible to roll onto the stomach. For some reason, such a sleeping bag is called “Dutch”. This is a sleeping bag that leaves the neck, head and arms free. In the leg area, it is also quite spacious and provides the child with the opportunity to move them freely. The impossibility of turning inside the bag is provided by its narrowness in the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Overheating, as well as hypothermia, in this bag is prevented by choosing lighter or warmer clothes for the child lying in it, depending on the ambient air temperature in the room. nine0008

So what if your child is one of those few babies who can’t get used to sleeping on their back at all? In this case, it is necessary to arrange the crib in such a way that in the event of a rollover on the stomach, the risk of sudden death is minimized. To do this, strictly follow the rules described below for the absence of soft bedding and other things in the bed.

1.1. Can the baby be laid on its side?

In the expensive book you bought, but outdated by the time it was published in Russian, you can find this advice: “When you put your baby to bed immediately after feeding, put him on his side. Lay the child on the right side, this facilitates the emptying of the stomach. However, the side position is worse than the supine position for preventing sudden death syndrome. The fact is that a child from a position on its side can involuntarily roll over onto its stomach. Yes, and the likelihood of regurgitation in the prone position remains the same – whether he lies on his side or on his back. Therefore, immediately after feeding the child, one should not put to sleep, but hold it vertically for 10-12 minutes (“column”) to prevent regurgitation. There is also a rule of “two burps”: you can put the baby in the crib after the air comes out of the stomach twice after feeding. nine0008

2. Safe bed arrangement. Before purchasing a crib, see the chapter Crib safety in the file Details on the safety of a small child in the home and in the yard.

The child must sleep in a cot with a fence (fence) in the form of slats. It is necessary to position the child in the crib so that his face is not under the covers. To do this: 1) the extended legs (soles of the feet) should rest against the back of the crib; then the child will not slide down and his face will not be under the blanket with which he is covered; 2) the child should be covered with a blanket no higher than shoulder level, do not try to cover their neck; nine0008

3) The blanket should be tucked under the mattress so that it does not slip and cover the child’s head.

Other possibilities of airway obstruction must also be excluded. The mattress should not be soft and voluminous, as the face and mouth of a child who accidentally rolled over on his stomach can “drown” in it. For the same reason, there should be no extra items in the crib that can cover the face and mouth of the child, even in the supine position, not to mention the position on the stomach. I mean extra pillows, bolsters, heavy blankets. It is better to do without a pillow at all. In this case, the head edge of the mattress can be made more elevated (or left flat). To do this, you can make a slope by placing something under it. Or the pillow should be small, dense, flat, with a flat surface. The mattress should also be dense, with a flat surface. A modern mattress with the property of air circulation through it will reduce the possibility of overheating of the child. nine0008

One should not be afraid of drafts and disturb the air circulation by hanging the cot from the side, and, especially, from above, with any blankets, bedspreads or sheets. This creates a closed space, and the child inhales the already used air.

Do not cover the child’s head with anything. It is better to do without a hat (bonnet), which can slide or shift onto the child’s face.

Heavy feather beds, fluffy wool sheepskins, and multiple layers of blankets are considered hazardous. nine0008

Do not line the edges of the bed with bedding, creating, so to speak, a “nest” for the child. On the other hand, the mattress must match the size of the crib so that the child does not “roll” into the gap between it and the wall of the crib.

Toys must be removed from the crib while sleeping.

3. What temperature should be maintained in the room where the baby is? How to dress a child.

Sudden death syndrome can occur not only in sleep. Both in a dream and during wakefulness, a violation of the temperature regime can contribute to the sudden death of a child. nine0008

As for the temperature in the room where the child is, its constancy is much more important than whether it is warm or cool. This is especially important for premature babies. The system for regulating body temperature in premature babies practically does not work. Therefore, they need a constant temperature so that hypothermia does not occur.

Full-term healthy babies have good body fat, have well-regulated body temperatures, and feel comfortable at the same temperature as adults. But, in the first weeks of life, there should not be significant temperature fluctuations for them either. nine0008

The most preferred room temperature is 20-22 degrees. However, some authors argue that the most comfortable temperature for full-term babies after reaching the age of 1 month is 18 degrees.

In addition to temperature, humidity is of great importance. If the air is too dry, the child gets stuffy nose and often wakes up at night. Therefore, dry forced air or heat from floor electric heaters does not allow the child to sleep well. If you are forced to use such heaters, then it is advisable to purchase a special electrical household appliance – a humidifier (evaporator) of the air. When buying an electric heater, look for a model that comes with an evaporator: an open container periodically filled with water, fixed to the heat-radiating surfaces of the heater. The higher the room temperature, the more humid the air should be. nine0008

Therefore, it is better to have cooler moist natural air in a room than to heat it up to any benchmark with a heater.

Never put a child to sleep with an electric heating pad, near a radiator, air heater, heater, or in direct sunlight.

During sleep, the baby should not be dressed too warmly. It is necessary to use cotton clothing that absorbs body vapor well and allows air to pass through. Clothing (vest, sliders) should be loose enough to allow free movement, but at the same time, not stray and cover all parts of the body. Drawstrings or ribbons on a child’s nightwear should be avoided as they can become entangled and suffocate

Heat dissipation in a child occurs through the head, so it is not advisable to wear anything on it while at home. But there are exceptions to all the rules: if your bedroom is cool, and the baby still has no hair on his head, then, in the first months of life, put a cap on your head.

The child should be covered with a light blanket up to shoulder level during sleep. In general, when living in an ordinary warm room, instead of one warm baby blanket, it is better to have one medium and one light and combine them. In the summer, in hot weather, it is enough to cover the child with one diaper – a sheet. nine0008

Use your own feelings to decide what to cover your child with. See what you are hiding yourself. The child can be covered a little warmer. For example, one extra light blanket, compared to what you are hiding with. But people are different. Therefore, this recommendation is not a rule.

Check that you have dressed and covered the child correctly:

1. If the hairs on the child’s head are damp, the child sweats and/or the tummy feels hot, remove excess clothing or change the blanket to a lighter one. Signs of severe overheating of the baby can also be rapid breathing, anxiety, and sometimes fever. A sign of constant overheating of the child is prickly heat

2. Don’t worry if your baby’s feet and/or hands feel cool to the touch – this is normal. If they are hot, it is not normal. Again, there are no rules without exceptions: if your baby’s feet are often bare during sleep, put comfortable socks on them.

In winter, if you enter a building, a warm train, a bus, a car, etc. directly from the street, be sure to immediately remove the hat and excess clothes from the child, even if you have to wake him up for this.

All of the above applies to overheating of the child, as this is the most common mistake. But do not forget about hypothermia: at night in apartments, the supply of central heat is usually reduced, so you need to get up again and check if the child is freezing. Although, of course, most often he himself will wake you up crying if he is uncomfortable due to the cold. nine0008

4. The child must not sleep in the parents’ bed. The reason is clear. Old pediatricians even had the expression “sleep the child” for those cases of death, when the mother, in a dream, crushed the child and his face with her body. Oddly enough, among the authors of popular literature, there are still apologists for the sleep of an infant in the mother’s bed. They say, as a rule, the maternal instinct makes the mother wake up at the time and makes her sleep sensitive. I agree – “usually”. But “as an exception” ?! Sudden death syndrome is also not the rule, but rather the exception. And if the mother so “plowed” for the whole day that she fell into bed “without hind legs”, and if she also drank (which does not happen in life). In addition, when sleeping near an adult, there is a risk of overheating of the infant. nine0008

However, if the child has apnea (see above), then the mother’s close, even breathing, as it were, adjusts the child’s breathing. A sensitive mother is more likely to wake up with the development of apnea in a child in order to give artificial respiration. Therefore, if you have sleep apnea, place a crib with your baby near your bed. Closer or very close (back to back) with the mother’s sleeping place. At least until 6 months of his life. But if parents exude sharp smells of tobacco, alcohol, perfumes, then it is better to move the crib away. nine0008

Unfavorable places to sleep are also: pockets for carrying children, a seat in a car, a turn-around place for sleeping in a car, rocking chairs suspended in the form of a hammock, sofas, and especially strollers. If the child sleeps in the stroller outside, then equip the bed in it as described above in paragraph “Safe Arrangement of the Bed”.

It is very dangerous for your baby if you yourself fall asleep while holding him on your lap (sitting in a chair or on a sofa).

5. Don’t smoke. The danger is dose dependent. Because of the 10 cigarettes smoked a day, smoked by a pregnant woman, the risk of losing her child after birth at 1 year of life increases by 5-6 times (not only from sudden death). Mother’s smoking after childbirth and father’s smoking in an apartment or house are equally dangerous. Inhalation of tobacco smoke by a child is passive smoking of a child. For smoking, a resident of the house must go outside. You can not visit heavily smoky places with your child.

What if the mother does not want to quit smoking? Nicotine during breastfeeding can be transmitted through mother’s milk. But, nevertheless, breastfeeding of smoking mothers is less dangerous than passive smoking of a child described above. And giving up breastfeeding is even worse than tobacco-laced breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding is recommended even when the mother is unable to stop smoking. At least during the first four months of life. But she can not smoke an hour before feeding and during feeding. This will reduce the dose of tobacco in milk to a less dangerous level. nine0008

6. And one more thing. Rocking the baby and sucking on a pacifier (pediatricians do not recommend pacifier training of a breastfeeding baby, as this can provoke refusal of the breast) slightly reduces the risk of sudden death.

Loud, harsh and unfamiliar sounds, smells slightly increase the risk of sudden death (“from fright”). The child is especially sensitive to such sharp stimuli at the very beginning of sleep. Especially if, in case of awakening from noise and stress, his motor abilities are limited. Therefore, tight swaddling should be limited after the first month of life (sudden death syndrome is rare in the first month of life, its peak occurs at the age of 2-4 months). Yes, and in the first month of life, tight swaddling should be used only if the child cannot fall asleep due to excessive motor activity of the limbs. In this case, it is advisable to unswaddle him after he falls asleep in tight swaddling conditions. nine0003 Maybe there are some other ways to make sure that she does not roll over on her stomach in her sleep?

UPD: Thank you all! I am a noble hysterical squirrel))) Firstly, I tried to bury my nose in the mattress myself, even if I press myself straight with force, the air still passes, so everything is fine. And, secondly, today she learned to roll over back on her back)))

Tags: 3-6 months, how are you?0134