How Do You Tell If Your Mattress Is Too Firm Or Too Soft
Is Your Mattress Too Soft? 5 Signs You Need a Firmer Bed
Is It Safe For A Baby To Sleep In A Pack ‘n Play
If youve heard the expression sleep when the baby sleeps right before or after having a newborn, you might still have one lingering question: If your baby hates sleeping in their crib, where else can they sleep?
Unfortunately, there arent many alternatives to a crib or bassinet when it comes to giving your baby a safe sleep environment, but the good news is that you can add a pack n play to the list. When used safely, pack n plays , are generally a safe option for sleeping babies of many ages, weights, and sizes.
Whatever your reason for needing an alternative to a crib, heres what you should know about using a pack n play for infant sleep.
What Type Of Mattress Should A Baby Sleep On
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission , babies should sleep on a firm mattress that was either designed for their crib or a mattress that fits snugly within the crib, with as little space between the mattress and the crib edge as possible .
The mattress should stay firm when the baby is placed upon it and should either hold up when you press your hand down upon it, or snap back into place immediately upon removing your weight, as you are heavier than your baby, and will affect the mattress differently.
Babies spines need a lot of support when they are young, and while they will be sleeping in their bed for the majority of the day, it is best to purchase firmer, better-supporting mattresses.
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Ask Naturepedic: When Should I Flip My Babys 2
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Our 2-stage dual firmness organic crib mattresses are a great choice for your growing baby. They have a flat, firm side for infants and a slightly more cushioned firm side for your toddler. Weve designed them to offer long-lasting quality for the entire time you have your little one in a crib. But when is the right time to flip your baby mattress from the infant side to the toddler side?
Knowing how to judge when to flip your infant mattress is essential to your little one’s comfort as they sleep and their development.
When To Flip The Mattress
The first thing is that the baby should stay on the firmer side of the crib mattress. Babies shouldnt be forced to change their sleeping positions and they are usually scared to wake up from the position they are in. The baby also shouldnt be left on the softer side, not because they are uncomfortable but because they may suffocate.
However, when the baby grows up to be a toddler, it is time to flip the crib mattress. Once the baby is 12 months old or more, she is safe to sleep on the softer, toddler side of the crib mattress.
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Transitioning From Sleep Sacks
Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that look like sleeping bags with arm holes. They come in different fabrics and range in sizes from preemie to toddler. While some tots love them, others hate anything that restricts their movements.
When your toddler has outgrown the largest size or simply refuses to wear their sleep sack, its time to transition. While toddlers rarely keep the covers on, you can finally start tucking them into bed at night.
Helping Your Baby Sleep Safely
For the first 6 months the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot, crib or moses basket in your room beside your bed and in the same room as you for all sleeps. You’ll also be close by if they need a feed or cuddle.
You can help your baby get a good sleep and stay as safe as possible by:
- always putting them to sleep flat on their back on a firm flat mattress, and putting them on their back again if they roll over
- tucking them in with blankets across their chest and under their arms
- always putting them feet first at the bottom of the cot so they cant wriggle down and get caught under the blankets
- removing any bumpers, pillows or soft toys from the cot as these can cause your baby to overheat or affect your baby’s breathing if they’re too close to their face
- making sure they don’t get too hot or cold – check their temperature by feeling their stomach or the back of their neck, and dont go by hands and feet as they’ll often feel cold
- keeping their head uncovered when theyre sleeping and taking off any swaddling or sleeping bag if they’re in bed with you
- taking your baby out of their car seat when theyre not travelling, and from a bouncy seat, swing or nest if theyre asleep, as their head can roll forward if they’re not sleeping flat which can affect their breathing
- making your home smoke-free, and keeping your baby away from cigarette smoke
Make sure that any other family or friends who may look after your baby know how to put your baby down for a sleep safely.
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In What Position Should My Baby Sleep
Placing your baby on their back for every sleep is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS. Let everyone that helps take care of your baby know to always put them on their back for naptime, nighttime, at home, in childcare settings and when travelling. Even babies who spit up a lot are safer sleeping on their backs. Healthy babies will naturally swallow or cough up fluids.
Once your baby can roll over on their own, there is no need to put them back on their back if they roll onto their side or tummy while sleeping.
If you use a baby sling or carrier, use it safely.
- Young or premature babies have poor neck control and are at higher risk of suffocating.
- Always keep your babys face visible. Make sure it isnt pressed into your body, clothes or the carrier.
- Watch for overheating.
We Have Been Given A Cot And Mattress Second
Generally we would advise it is safest to have a new mattress for each baby, though we know this is not always possible.
There is some evidence to suggest that bringing in a mattress from another home might increase the risk of sudden infant death very slightly. When using your own mattress for a second time, ensure it is still firm and flat with no tears or holes, and is not sagging in places. Thoroughly clean the waterproof layer and ensure the mattress is clean and dry before making it up with fresh bed clothes.
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Is It Okay For My Baby To Sleep In A Car Seat
It is fine for your baby to fall asleep when they are in their car seat, but once you get home we would advise that you move your baby to their usual firm, flat surface to sleep. Our advice is that the safest place for your baby to sleep both during the day for naps and during the night is in a cot or Moses basket in a room with you for the first six months.
It is important to check on your baby regularly when they are asleep.
If your baby is being transported in a car, they should be carried in a properly designed and fitted car seat, facing backwards, and preferably be in sight of an adult. Be careful that your baby doesnt get too hot and remove hats and outdoor coats when you get in the car.
On long car journeys, stop for breaks so your baby is not in the car seat for prolonged periods .
Premature babies who may slump need particular care when travelling in a car seat.
Ask your car seat manufacturer if they have any safety advice about the specific model you are using.
How Much Sleep Does Your Baby Need
Newborns sleep about 16 hours a day, usually in 3- to 4-hour periods. Your baby needs to eat every few hours, which is why she doesnt sleep for longer periods of time. Your baby may get cranky or overtired if she doesnt get enough sleep.
Dont be surprised if your baby can only stay awake for an hour or two. Over time, her body gets into a sleep pattern. She starts sleeping for longer stretches, even during the night. If youre worried about your babys sleep, talk to her health care provider.
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Safe Sleep For Babies
Good sleep habits are important for your babys physical health and emotional well-being. Safe sleep includes things such as where your baby sleeps, their sleeping position, the type of crib or bed, the type of mattress, and the home environment.
Creating a safe sleep environment for your baby will lower the risk of injury and sudden infant death syndrome . SIDS is when a baby , that seems healthy dies suddenly in their sleep, and the cause of death cannot be explained. We dont know what causes SIDS, so it cannot be prevented, but there are things you can do to help lower the risk.
What Is The Safest Mattress For A Baby
Best Crib Mattresses
- Best Overall Crib Mattress : Colgate Eco Classica III Dual Firmness Eco-Friendlier Crib Mattress.
- Best Two-Sided Crib Mattress : Moonlight Slumber Little Dream Dual-Sided Crib Mattress.
- Best Crib Mattress to Fight Allergies : Sealy Baby Posturepedic Crown Jewel Luxury Firm Crib and Toddler Mattress.
5 . 2021 .
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There Is Minor Sids Risk If A Crib Mattress Is Not Firm Enough
A soft mattress increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. As mentioned above, babies lack mobility in their first two to three months of age and since soft mattresses can conform to the shape of your babys head or face, they can lead to smothering and death if you baby rolls over onto their stomach. Additionally, a soft mattress may create gaps between its edge and the cribs edge, making it possible for your baby to get stuck in these gaps. Firm mattresses provide resistance to indentations and don’t create gaps, which ensure protection and minimize the risk of SIDS.
Other Ways To Make Baby More Comfortable
Alright, so all of that still doesnt really help if your baby isnt ready for a soft mattress, but doesnt like his firm one.
I get it!
Fortunately, while you shouldnt ADD anything into your crib for safety reasons, there are a few different things you can try to keep baby more comfortable and help him sleep better.
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Products Not Recommended For Safe Sleep
- Bed-side sleepers
- Baby nests or pods
- Inclined sleepers, baby hammocks, crib wedges/positioners
- Playpens
- If you use a playpen for your baby to sleep in while travelling, be sure to position it away from blind/curtain cords and electrical cords, which babies can strangle on.
- Never add an extra mattress or padding.
- Keep it free of soft items, bedding and toys when your baby sleeps.
Firm Crib Mattresses: The Experts Agree Firmer Is Better
If you need more evidence to convince a partner, grandparent, or co-parent that a firm bassinet mattress and/or crib mattress is best for your baby, take a look at what some of the experts say:
Theres virtually no professional organization operating in child health and safety that doesnt argue the case for a firm crib mattress.
The experts have weighed in, and theyve made an overwhelming case in support of buying a firm crib mattress for your baby.
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Not Recommended For Sleep
Using baby slings and carriers is popular, and babies often fall asleep while being carried in them. If you use one, be sure to use it safely. Babies, especially who are less than 4 months old, or who were born prematurely or with a medical condition, have poor neck control and are at a higher risk of suffocation.
Keep your baby visible at all times. Make sure your baby is in an upright position. You should be able to see your babys face make sure it is not pressed into your body, your clothes or the carrier. Check your baby often and watch for overheating. For more information, visit Canada.ca .
Overheating increases your babys risk of SIDS
Swaddling is sometimes used to calm babies, but can also be a risk. Babies can get tangled or covered in the blanket if it comes loose, or can roll onto their tummy while still swaddled. These are risks for suffocation. If you swaddle your baby, be sure to do it safely:
- Use a lightweight blanket. Make sure it stays well away from the babys nose and mouth.
- Wrap your baby so they can still move their hips and legs.
- Leave your babys hands free so they can show you when they are hungry.
- It is very important to stop swaddling before your baby can roll. Swaddling is not safe for babies when they are on their tummies.
When Should I Lower The Crib Mattress For My Toddler So He Doesn’t Fall Or Climb Out
Its best to lower your childs crib mattress well before he hits toddlerhood ideally, once he’s able to sit up on his own or pull himself to a standing position. If your toddler is able to climb out of his crib even with the mattress at the lowest setting, its time to move him to a toddler bed or a twin bed with a side rail.
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Should A Baby Mattress Be Firm Or Soft
Youll want to make sure the mattress fits properly in the crib youve selected without gaps that could pose a danger to your baby. And the mattress should be firm. A soft one can conform to the shape of your babys head or face, increasing the risk of suffocation or even sudden infant death syndrome .
What Is The Single Most Significant Risk Factor For Sids
A number of risk factors have been identified that increase the likelihood of SIDS:
- Stomach sleeping – This is probably the most significant risk factor, and sleeping on the stomach is associated with a higher incidence of SIDS. …
- Exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke, drugs, or alcohol.
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General Sleep Safety Tips
The safest place for your baby to sleep is on his or her back, in a crib, cradle or bassinet. Health Canada recommends room sharing for the first six months of your baby’s life.
Babies and young children should never be placed to sleep on standard beds, water beds, air mattresses, couches, futons or armchairs. A baby can suffocate when sleeping on these unsafe surfaces.
Health Canada has received reports of injuries and/or deaths related to the improper use of many products mentioned in this guide. Follow the safety tips provided to reduce the risk of injury or death related to the use of these products.
- Put your baby on his or her back to sleep, both at nap time and at bedtime.
- Your baby’s crib should be completely empty, except for the crib’s mattress and fitted sheet.
- Avoid the use of loose bedding or soft objects in your baby’s sleeping area. Products like these can be suffocation hazards and should not be placed where your baby sleeps:
- comforters, heavy blankets and quilts
- infant or adult pillows
- bumper pads
- sleep positioners
Soft Mattresses And The Risk Of Sids
The biggest reason why a baby shouldnt sleep on a soft mattress is related to mobility and SIDS.
Babies dont have a lot of mobility, and as such will not be able to get themselves into a different position. This could, at best, mean they are uncomfortable at night and wake up . But in a worst-case scenario, it could lead to suffocation especially if they roll over onto their tummies and cant lift their head or reposition as older children and adults can.
Unfortunately, there have been cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome which have been caused by suffocation. To keep your baby safe through infancy, a soft mattress is not recommended to sleep on.
A soft mattress is fine for someone who doesnt require their airway to be kept in a straight line to breathe , or for someone who can reposition their head when they need to do so.
But because babies cant do those things as easily yet, give them the time they need to learn those skills. Dont use a soft mattress until theyre older and have gained the strength they need to be strong breathers and movers while sleeping.
This is also a reason why it is highly discouraged to bed-share with your baby. Not only do your blankets present a suffocation risk to your child if they get pulled up over their face, but your mattress was purchased with your comfort in mind, and most likely is too soft for your baby to sleep on. For the majority of us adults, if our beds are comfortable for us, they would not be safe for our babies.
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