What is the best position for a newborn to sleep in? How to properly put a newborn to sleep in the crib after feeding

Happy young parents, having waited for the birth of a long-awaited miracle, face many problems in the first days of communicating with their baby. One of the most important is the organization of healthy sleep for infants. All kinds of advice fall on the head of a newly-made mother and father: the mother-in-law demands the creation of ideal silence, the mother-in-law is against co-sleeping, experienced friends recommend from the first days falling asleep independently.

Let's try to figure out how to properly put a newborn to sleep.

The importance of getting enough sleep

In the first month of life, the main place in life infant takes up sleep. It lasts up to 20 hours a day and is of great importance:

• in a dream the baby grows;
• restores strength;
• strengthens the nervous system;
• accumulates energy to get acquainted with the new world.

Creating conditions for baby's sleep

A newborn's sound and complete sleep is directly related to the conditions created for him by his parents. These include the following factors.

Crib, mattress, pillow

The place to sleep must meet the requirements of safety, convenience and hygiene. The choice of cribs on the modern market is huge. They have different functionality, differ in shape, parameters, and design. The main thing is that it is made from environmentally friendly materials. If this classic version, the width between the rods should not be more than 6 cm.

You should choose carefully children's mattress: perfect option– special orthopedic, fits tightly to the walls and exactly matches the size sleeping place. Initially, for the convenience of communicating with the baby, the mattress is fixed at the highest position, then, when the child learns to stand up on his own, it is lowered.

Ideal conditions for a baby - plenty of light and fresh air. Don't forget about daily ventilation, wet cleaning premises and frequent changes linen

How long does a newborn sleep?

The duration of sleep for a child up to a year depends on individual characteristics body and is not the main indicator of the baby’s development. The baby is not aware of the time of day, so he sleeps and wakes according to his biological clock.

According to average statistics, in the first month of life, 16-20 hours of sleep per day is considered the norm. The older the child gets, the less he sleeps. By the age of one year, daytime sleep can be once or twice, and nighttime sleep can not be interrupted for feeding. Sleep disturbance indicates problems with health, nutrition, and intestinal colic.

There are generally accepted sleep standards, presented in the table:

The indicators indicated in the table are arbitrary and vary depending on individual characteristics.

A newborn's sleep time is also related to the microclimate of the family. The mother's fatigue and emotional exhaustion directly affects the child's condition. His sleep may be restless and short-lived.

It is important to adhere to the regime from the first days. Keeping your baby healthy and sleeping means creating a cozy and comfortable family environment.

What position should you choose for sleeping?

The physiologically natural position is for the newborn to lie on his back with his legs spread apart and his arms bent behind his head, clenched in fists. Sleeping on your back with your head turned to the side is not dangerous and is suitable for daytime and nighttime rest.

It has been proven that you need to monitor the baby’s posture and constantly change it (especially the position of the head) for correct formation and development of the musculoskeletal system.

Pediatricians consider sleeping on one of the sides and down the stomach to be convenient and comfortable positions. Let's take a closer look at them.

Sleeping on your side

The safest sleeping position, due to the structural features of the gastrointestinal tract of infants. Due to the deficiency of the cardiac sphincter, babies can burp, often profusely. This position will not allow you to choke on the regurgitated mass. They practice laying it half-sided with a rolled-up towel or lining. Remember to regularly change your baby's body position to avoid developing torticollis.

Sleeping on your stomach

It has a positive effect on the development of the child, helping to strengthen the muscles of the back and neck. This position is especially convenient in the first three months, when the baby is bothered intestinal colic. The position on the stomach eliminates accumulated gases, guaranteeing a restful and sound sleep.

However, this situation requires increased vigilance: in order to avoid sudden infant death syndrome, it is necessary to constantly monitor, especially in the first three months of life.

The baby is not able to control his body and can bury his nose, stopping the flow of air, which can lead to cessation of breathing.

You should not leave the baby on your stomach for a long time. It is worth changing the position after some time. Experts recommend lying on your stomach during sleep several times a day.

Contraindications for different sleep positions

When putting your baby to sleep, first of all remember the safety of the position in which he is located. There are a number of contraindications:

• sleeping on the side and back is contraindicated for newborns with abnormal development hip joints;
• You can’t sleep lying on your back if you have muscle hypertonicity (in in this case tight swaddling is indicated) and a clear manifestation of colic;
• The child's head should not exceed the position of the body.

To form a healthy spine, it is better to place the baby on a perfectly flat, hard horizontal surface with the head and body fixed at the same level.

Your intuition and love for your baby will tell you how to put your baby to sleep and what sleeping position will be most comfortable.

How to put your baby to sleep correctly?

Parents adapt to the baby’s biorhythms and behavior and choose the most convenient way to put the baby to bed. Numerous options to help falling asleep quickly newborn, come down to three main ones:

1. motion sickness;
2. co-sleeping;
3. falling asleep on your own.

Let's look at how to quickly put a child to sleep using these methods.

Motion sickness

Motion sickness is a natural need for a baby. It helps you fall asleep quickly and develops vestibular apparatus and trains coordination in space. Psychologists recommend rocking in your arms (especially in the first three months), which helps you feel the warmth of your mother’s hands and protection from the still unfamiliar world, and is considered a guarantee of the development of a calm, balanced personality.

Smooth rocking in the crib is allowed, accompanied by light, pleasant music. Whether or not to rock your baby is up to you individually.

Co-sleeping

Co-sleeping indispensable and convenient for breastfeeding for both mother and baby. In the first months of life, it contributes to:

• formation of a balanced psyche;
• trouble-free operation respiratory system baby;
• increased lactation;
• establishing common biorhythms for mother and child, eliminating confusion between day and night.

There are also numerous arguments against:

• high probability of crushing the baby;
• unhygienic;
• difficulty in falling asleep on your own.

The decision of whether or not to place the baby with the mother depends solely on the decision of the parents and the needs of the child.

Falling asleep on your own

Often practiced modern parents, putting a lot of effort into this.

The main requirement in this case: daily repetition of the same procedures and adherence to the regime. The baby will get used to the fact that after an evening bath, a warm, tasty treat from the breast or bottle will be waiting for him, and then he will be put to bed and fall asleep. The result will not be long in coming; if you firmly and persistently repeat the same actions day after day, the child will fall asleep instantly.

Maintaining order and uniformity in the first year of life is the key to successful upbringing. Be patient, clearly decide what is comfortable for you and stick to these positions for some time. Positive result secured.

Falling asleep rituals

A newborn's ability to fall asleep quickly is facilitated by following the so-called “rituals” of falling asleep. Here are the basic rules, the effectiveness of which has been practically proven:

• well ventilated area;
• a calm environment without distractions;
• performance hygiene procedures(bathing, massage);
• adherence to daily routine;
• feeding;
• singing lullabies;
• reading fairy tales or relaxing calm music;
• tactile touches (stroking, light tapping);
• favorite toy.

How to properly put a child to sleep is primarily up to parents to decide. The main thing, when trying to adhere to the regime and develop bedtime rules, is not to forget about the characteristics of your baby. The process of falling asleep should be positive and joyful. The task of parents is to form useful and good habits, promoting good health and the proper development of your beloved child.

Daytime sleep rules

Putting your baby to sleep during the day is not difficult if the child is healthy and nothing bothers him. Young mothers try to adhere to the following rules:

• calm atmosphere and comfort of the room, absence external stimuli, creating twilight;
• long lasting active activities with a baby (games, exercises on a special developmental mat, riding on a swing);
• adherence to the regime and going to bed at the same time every day;
• breastfeeding or bottle feeding;
• singing lullabies and playing relaxing music;
• regular walks in the fresh air.

Rules for falling asleep at night

How to put a newborn baby to sleep at night? In order to night sleep was long-lasting and calm for both parents and baby, use these simple tips:

• relaxing and cozy environment;
• ventilation at night;
• fresh air with optimal temperature and humidity in the room;
• water treatments with the addition of soothing herbal infusions;
• mandatory feeding;
• clean clothes;
  if necessary, tight swaddling;
• adding anti-colic drops to milk or a mixture (espumisan, bobotik, sub-simplex and others);
• rocking to a lullaby or children's music.

Experts recommend reducing time nap to increase nighttime sleep. However, 80% of newborns require night feeding, which decreases by the age of one year. Putting a baby to sleep should be based on the individual developmental characteristics of the baby and the regime established by adults.

remember, that healthy sleep child is the key to family comfort, coziness and tranquility. By skillfully using the recommendations of specialists, experienced parents and developing your own tricks for putting your baby to bed, your family will be happy and calm.

It is a known fact that small children grow up in their sleep, which is why it is so important in the first years of life. During the first year, children are awake very little and spend a large number of time in the cradle.

Proper sleep in the crib

How should a newborn sleep in a crib? Emotional and physical health depends on how the newborn will fall asleep in the crib. The main thing is to make sure that they do not lie in it extra items, the surface was flat, smooth, the bed linen was clean and ironed. A newborn will sleep more peacefully in a crib than with his parents.

There is no need to completely wrap yourself in a warm blanket, as this can lead to suffocation. A newborn baby will feel more comfortable in a crib if the mother places it next to hers. Not a single newborn baby can fall asleep on his own; at first, mom and dad need to put him to sleep correctly.

How newborns should sleep in a crib:

1. the most natural one is on the back. At the same time, turn your head to the side so that the baby does not choke if he burps;
2. you can put it on its side, and put a small cushion or a rolled up towel under the back so that it doesn’t turn over;
3. If you are not swaddling, put cotton scratch pads on the arms so that hand movements do not wake you up.

Newborns can sleep on their stomachs, however, this position is not advisable. Everyone is different, so parents need to determine the ideal sleep position on their own.

When should a child sleep on a pillow? In the first year, a pillow is not needed so that the whole body is at the same level. You are allowed to place a thin diaper under your head. The exception is a special “butterfly” shaped pad with a notch in the middle. A simple pillow is placed after reaching two years of age.

At what angle should a newborn sleep? Make sure that the angle of elevation of the baby's head in relation to his body does not exceed 10 centimeters.

What pillow should a newborn baby sleep on? There are locking pads that make installation easier. If the baby sleeps in a cradle, a thin diaper folded four times is placed under the head.

Sleeping surface

What surface should a newborn sleep on? Due to the fact that little ones are still developing bone and muscular system, it becomes clear that a newborn should sleep on a hard surface. Buy a bed made of wood, without irregularities and not varnished.

What mattress should a newborn sleep on? Pediatricians recommend purchasing hard orthopedic mattresses for infants, because on them the body assumes the anatomical position inherent in nature.

It is important that the mattress is made from environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic materials and ideally matches the size of the bed. The best purchase would be one made from natural coconut fiber and half buckwheat husk. A newborn baby should sleep on such a mattress so that the spine is straight.

Which side of the mattress should a newborn sleep on? They can be alternated depending on the air temperature in the room where the baby sleeps and his age. Coconut gives a “breathing” effect and is tougher. For older children, you can turn it over to the softer side.

The surface must be smooth, since children are still developing their spine and soft bones. Try to make sure that there are no toys in the crib during sleep, and that the linen is ironed.

In order for the baby to sleep peacefully, it is important for parents to create good conditions. It’s good if children get used to their bed from birth. At the same time, buy a good mattress, do not skimp on your health, you don’t need a pillow, and choose a blanket that is not very warm.

What position should a newborn sleep in?

Parents choose what position their newborn baby should sleep in. After all, children do not yet know how to roll over and sleep like adults do.

Pediatricians say newborns can sleep:

• on the back;
• on the stomach;
• on the side.

The parents' task is to ensure that the baby is comfortable and safe in the chosen position. Babies sleep on their backs with their arms up and their heads turned to the side. In this position, babies are most relaxed, but they can frighten themselves with their hands.

Sleeping on the stomach is considered dangerous, but some babies sleep only this way. Parents need to make sure that the baby's head is turned to the side. In this case, you cannot use a pillow to prevent the baby from suffocating. It is better if the child sleeps on his stomach only during the day.

The most comfortable position considered to be on the side. This is how it is safe for newborns to sleep, because babies will not choke when burping. For convenience, place a cushion from a blanket under the backrest.

In what position should a newborn baby sleep? Adults can choose in which position a newborn should sleep by observing the child. If he is comfortable, then let him sleep on his back, side or stomach, but you need to ensure the safety of the child. According to pediatricians, lying on your side is the most optimal position for rest.

Side position

Which side should a newborn sleep on? It is not recommended to leave the baby on one side for a long time. The baby is turned over from one side to the other after 2-3 hours. This is required for the correct formation of the newborn’s skeleton. During daytime sleep, change the side each time you lay down.

Why should a newborn sleep on its side? Resting in this position is safe, because when burping, the baby will not choke on milk. The newborn will sleep completely peacefully all night on his side, because he breathes freely.

How long should a newborn sleep on its side? It is very comfortable to rest on your side, but the newborn needs to be periodically turned to the opposite side. Babies sleep on their sides for about 3 months. As children grow up, they learn to roll over and take a comfortable position.

How should a newborn sleep in a stroller? The conditions for sleeping in a stroller should be the same as in a crib. A hard mattress is placed in the stroller, and a folded diaper can be placed under the head. The baby will not need a pillow. In a stroller, babies mostly sleep on their backs. During the walk, parents should close the stroller from drafts and dress the baby according to weather conditions.

How should a baby sleep by month?

1 month. You need to prepare a crib or stroller in advance to sleep in one month old baby could be separated from their parents. Pediatricians do not recommend putting children in bed with adults. This is dictated by the safety of the baby, because parents can unwittingly harm him.

A firm mattress is placed in the crib so that the skeleton is formed correctly. Children under 1.2 years old do not need a pillow; it is better to buy a thin blanket. At 3 days old, the baby can already wear a sleeping bag. To prevent the newborn from choking when regurgitating, he is placed on his side. A newborn must change position every few hours.

At what temperature should a newborn sleep? Optimal temperature regime in the bedroom it ranges from 18 – 23 degrees. The children's room is ventilated before bedtime and drafts are not allowed during sleep. The air must be constantly humidified so that the baby’s nose does not dry out.

What should be the temperature of a sleeping child? During sleep, the baby's temperature rises slightly and is 37 degrees. But there is no need to worry; this is normal.

2-3 months. A 2 month old baby can sleep on his back, but his head must be turned to the side. This position will prevent the baby from choking and oxygen will enter the body faster. A 3 month old baby is already more active and begins to turn his head in his sleep on his own. The baby can be placed on a special orthopedic pillow.

Should my baby sleep after every feeding? Very often this is exactly what happens, but correct mode implies feeding - wakefulness - sleep. Having eaten, the baby actively explores the world and then, tired, falls asleep soundly. And after sleep, when hungry, he sucks the breast much more actively.

4-5 months. Optimal position for night sleep 4x one month old baby the following: on your back, head turned to one side, arms raised up, legs bent at the knees.

A mature child at 5 months can already roll over independently and take a comfortable position. Babies can already sleep on their stomachs, butt up, but you need to make sure that they don’t get tangled in a blanket or diaper.

What does the baby's pose say in the video:

What light should a newborn sleep in? During the daytime rest, you can close the windows with curtains, but create complete darkness No need. At night, you can leave it on without bright light night light It makes it convenient to get up to the baby for eating and changing clothes.

1 - 2 years. During sleep, the toddler changes position several times, so there is no specific position at this age. He will lie as he pleases.

What pillow should you sleep on? one year old child? Children can rest without a pillow until they are 1.5 years old. If you buy a pillow, it is better to have an orthopedic one. A pillow filled with bamboo fiber, latex, or polyester that fits the width of the crib is suitable.

Where should a 2 year old child sleep? The two-year-old baby is already sleeping separately from his parents in his own bed. At this age, you can move the child to a separate room and teach him to rest alone.

Correct sleeping position comfortable conditions, will ensure healthy and safe sleep toddler. Taking a close look at the baby, it will immediately become clear which position is most comfortable.

One of the first questions you should answer after your baby is born is: where will he sleep? In the cradle? In a crib with side walls? In an attached crib - a special device for sleeping together with a child? Or in your bed?

This is an issue to think about carefully because your choice of location will affect your sleep, your baby's sleep and his or her safety. Of course, your newborn baby should sleep in the same room as you! It’s more comfortable for him, and much more comfortable for you. When he's around, you can always hear if he's vomiting, having trouble breathing, or feeling uncomfortable for one reason or another. And most importantly, being close to your baby reduces the risk of SIDS. So let your swaddled baby sleep next to your bed, in a bassinet, side-by-side crib or side crib. I advise you not to take him to your bed at least the first six months.

Make sure the bassinet you choose has a wide bottom (so it won't tip over if you hit it). You also need a firm mattress, but one that is comfortable to lie on, and the height of the side walls should be at least forty centimeters (measured from the bottom of the mattress).

When choosing a crib with side walls, make sure that it is safe and assembled correctly (read the instructions or look for information on the manufacturer’s website).

An attached cot allows you to enjoy co-sleeping and is safe at the same time. It is placed directly next to your bed, and one side of it is lowered so that you can easily reach the baby if you need to feed him or just cuddle him. (Just be sure to swaddle your baby and make sure his crib is securely attached to your bed to avoid accidental falls.)

(Regardless of the approach you choose, be sure to follow the safety guidelines below.)

When babies are around five or six months old, many parents move them to another room. At this age, children easily tolerate such a move, although it can be postponed.

Dangerous places: where you shouldn't sleep

Certain places where a child can fall asleep pose a real danger. These include sleeping on sofas and chairs, sleeping in a sitting position (for example, in a car seat or carrier) and in an incorrectly designed baby sling.

Researchers from different countries who have studied this issue agree on one thing: sleep on sofas, armchairs, etc. upholstered furniture very dangerous! Scottish researchers have found that the risk of SIDS in babies who are left to sleep on the sofa is sixty-seven times higher. The risk is also greater if infants sleep on recliners, recliners, couch cushions, bean bags, and air mattresses.

The car seat is also not safe place, and your baby should not sleep there. An exception may be a short nap when you are driving somewhere nearby. In the first six months of life, when a child is sitting, his heavy head can become overweight and lean forward strongly, and this can cause breathing difficulties and asphyxia.

What about baby slings? The sling is a wonderful thing. In it, the baby can continuously enjoy touches, movements and sounds, coupled with your smell, which soothes him. In addition, your hands remain free and you are free to do other things. So this simple fabric design is very helpful for new mothers; I suspect that these were the first items of clothing in ancient times.

However, children often fall asleep in their cozy slings, and this is fraught with serious danger. Therefore, make sure that your sling:

• not too deep - if your baby ends up in the C position at the very bottom, he risks suffocation due to lack of air flow (the baby should be positioned high enough so that you can see his face);
• supports the child's back so that his chin does not fall down and his head is not twisted towards the chest, which will make it difficult for the child to breathe or start crying, asking for help;
• able to withstand the weight of the baby, protects against falling;
• there are no folds of fabric that can put pressure on the nose or mouth.

One more thing important rule using a sling: when carrying a baby in a sling, do not pick it up hot food or liquid.

What about sleeping in a baby swing? Many swings are safer to sleep in than car seats because the design of these baby swings prevents your baby's head from accidentally falling forward. But only use a swing if your child has trouble falling asleep and finds it difficult to fall asleep while still.

As you can see, children are not particularly picky when choosing a place to sleep. They sleep just as soundly in a simple side-by-side crib as they do in a luxuriously appointed nursery. So, if you want, you can paint fluffy clouds on your bedroom walls, but remember that the main thing is to ensure your child's safety while sleeping. And this brings us to a controversial issue.

Is sleeping in the same bed a great idea or a risky idea?

I realize that by expressing my thoughts on this matter, I may become as unpopular with some of you as a sweat rash on a child's bottom. But I hope that you will listen to me, because sleeping in the same or in different beds (to be or not to be!) is a very important question.

Adults have been taking children into their beds since time immemorial. This is as old as time. Since ancient times, parents and children slept together for safety, warmth and comfort. And the custom is growing in popularity: the number of families in which children share beds with adults more than doubled between 1993 and 2000. Dr. Fern Hauk from the University of Virginia reported that in 42% of American families, babies are taken to the parent's bed at the age of two weeks, and in 34% of families - from three months. (The main reasons are to calm a baby who is tossing and turning, to promote sleep, and to make breastfeeding easier.)

However, there is extensive statistics of tragic cases associated with sleeping in a parent's bed. For this reason, over the past twenty years, scientists have devoted a lot of time and effort to the following question: is it dangerous to take children into your bed and, if so, how? The research results are somewhat troubling.

British researchers have found that during the night, most children who sleep in the same bed with adults have their mouths and noses closed for some time. bedding. A third of mothers accidentally put their hand or foot on their children while sleeping.

Sally Baddock, who led a team of New Zealand scientists studying infant sleep, also expressed concern that a baby's face might be obscured while sleeping in a parent's bed. Eighty infants were videotaped sleeping: forty of them slept in cribs, and forty in bed with their parents. A study of the obtained video recordings showed that the faces of the babies who slept with their parents were covered with bedding for a total of about an hour!

Cameras installed by a team of researchers recorded that during the night the children's faces were covered with bedding more than a hundred times (usually above the eyes). As a rule, either the mother or the child threw off the blanket. But a quarter of the twenty-two children, whose heads were periodically covered at night, woke up in the morning under the blanket. This is a very alarming statistic.

In addition, Baddock found that children who sleep in the same bed with their parents eat 3.7 times more often at night, and a quarter of fathers eventually moved from the “family bed” to another place. And, most alarmingly, babies who shared a bed with their parents spent 66% of the time, or 5.7 hours per night, lying on their sides (rather than on their backs, which is a safer position). One child who slept with his parents even rolled over onto his tummy.

Studies conducted in Germany, Holland and Scotland have shown that sleeping in the same bed with parents is accompanied by increased risk SIDS before the age of three to four months (and at an older age if the parents smoke).

At the same time, it turned out that Japanese children who sleep with their parents do not experience increased rate SIDS (possibly because they sleep on hard futons). And during studies conducted in England, Canada and the USA, it was found that co-sleeping does not pose any risk if the parents are sober, attentive and do not smoke.

Having studied in detail the results of all latest research, majority medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatric Society, have issued recommendations against co-sleeping with young children. And I agree with them.

While I personally enjoy bed sharing with older children, I don't recommend doing so in the first six months of life (or even in the first year if any of the risk factors listed below apply to you).

In my opinion, it's best to provide a place for your baby to sleep directly next to your bed: in a bassinet, side-by-side crib, or side crib... just not in your bed. It will be easy for you to feed and soothe your baby, and you yourself will sleep better, knowing that you have taken everything possible measures so that your baby is not in danger.

How to make sleeping in the same bed safer

If, despite everything, you prefer to sleep together, you need to minimize the potential hazardous factors. The tips below will help you create a comfortable and safe conditions for the baby and significantly reduce the risk of trouble.

Safe bed

Do not sleep on waterbeds, air mattresses or other living room furniture.

Make sure there are no openings between the mattress and the wall or bed frame and headboard that could trap a baby's head.

Safe bedding

Use a sheet only - no pillows, duvets, duvets, bumpers, stuffed animals or sleep positioners.

If the room is cold, dress your child warmly, but so that he does not overheat. (Touch his ears and nose - they should not be cold or hot.)

Safe bedmates

You should not put your baby in the same bed with smokers, pets, other children, full people or with those who are very tired.

Let the baby lie next to one of the parents, not between the two of you.

Don't drink alcoholic drinks and don't take medications (including antihistamines) that may dull your ability to feel your baby and respond to his needs.

Baby safety

Always place your baby on his back. Breastfeed him if possible.

Give him a pacifier before bed.

Do not bring a premature or low-weight baby into your bed.

Safe room

Maintain the air temperature within 19-22 °C. The room must have good ventilation. Don't use candles aroma sticks and don't burn wood.

Safe swaddling

Wrap your baby snugly in a large, lightweight swaddle to make it harder for him to accidentally roll out of bed and prevent him from unwrapping himself while he sleeps.

Finally, you need to remind all family members, nannies and other people who help you with your baby about the importance of placing your baby on his back and all other safety rules.

Five more preventive measures

Here are five more tips to help you keep your baby safe:

• Never leave your child alone adult bed. Even two-week-old babies can roll or crawl off it.
• Install fire alarms with smoke detectors. If you already have such an alarm, check if it works.
• Install the sensor carbon monoxide in the hallway next to the bedrooms.
• Make sure there are fire extinguishers on every floor of the house that are easily accessible.
• Make an evacuation plan in case emergency(for example, fire). If you live high up, keep a rope ladder and a head cover handy to prevent smoke inhalation - these items may be needed during an evacuation.

After you install an alarm and buy fire extinguishers, call your insurance company. They may give you a discount for taking these precautions.

Where does your baby sleep after three months?

By four months, your baby will likely have outgrown the cozy newborn bassinet. And you will have to make two important decisions regarding where he will now sleep:

1. In a crib... or in your bed?
2. In your room... or in the nursery?

Let's look at your options.

In a crib or in the same bed with parents?

Moving your baby from a bassinet or side crib to a regular crib with sides is fairly easy. A couple of weeks before you do this, just come up with some nice ritual: for example, play in a new crib for a short time every day (the ideal activity would be light massage). For children over nine months old, a small soft-touch diaper or a favorite teddy bear (an object for transferring attention) will also help them get used to a new place.

And, of course, continue to play white noise, which will calm the baby and help smooth out this transition.

Or you may decide that the baby will now sleep in your bed. It's hard to resist the temptation to snuggle up next to your baby!

I mentioned above that the risk of SIDS increases when you bring a newborn into your bed. However, research shows that after four months (or in the case of premature babies, four months from the day they were due), you can safely put your baby in your bed if you make every effort to do so. to avoid potential dangers.

However, if you choose to co-sleep, you may be in for some unexpected surprises. unpleasant consequences. According to many studies, children who sleep with their parents are more likely to wake up during the night. A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation of America found that 23% of families where parents slept with their children had sleep problems, compared with 13% of families where children slept separately.

Another study found that while many people enjoy co-sleeping with their children, 30 to 40% of parents believe that co-sleeping is harmful to the child and the entire family. They did this because they did not know how else to calm the baby. The same study found that parents who co-sleep with their children were three times more likely to consider co-sleeping a major stressor on their marriage.

So choose what is right for your family, but please be vigilant and careful.

Moving: from your room to the nursery

At three months of age, 85% of babies are still sleeping in their parents' bedroom. Sleeping in the same room is very convenient, so there is no need to rush to transfer your baby to the nursery.

If your little one sleeps in a cradle for newborns or an additional cot, then it is easy to feed him. There is no need to run down a cold, dark corridor in the middle of the night and then suffer from insomnia. In addition, by turning on white noise for your child, you listen to it yourself and sleep better yourself.

In addition, sleeping in the same room is safer. You will hear in time if the child has any problems; this reduces the risk of SIDS.

However, by the first birthday, approximately 70% of parents move their children to another room.

When is the best time to do this? Preferably, within a period of six to seven months. After this, children become much more accustomed to the details around them, and they may have problems when changing the environment.

Also, by eight months, many children begin to become anxious if they notice that no one is nearby. Transferring to another room can be a real test if the child has managed to get used to the fact that there is someone in the room all the time, and now suddenly finds himself in all alone. Fear of separation (separation anxiety) is especially strong in sensitive and cautious children.

When you move your child to another room, don't be alarmed if he protests the first few nights you leave. If this happens, I recommend immediately picking him up and calming him down (don't talk too much or feed him too much; in this case, you will encourage his protests willy-nilly). When the baby calms down, put him back. If he gets nervous again, pick him up again. Repeat this as many times as necessary. If you pick your baby up as soon as he starts to fuss (and turn on white noise), his fussing rarely lasts longer than half an hour.

Here are a few additional ways Make it easier for your child to get used to a new place:

• Spend more time in the nursery for one or two months before moving your child there. Use his room for pleasant, quiet activities such as feeding, massage, singing, napping, or rocking.
• During the transition period, use the entire arsenal of habitual actions and rituals of falling asleep that the child likes: stick to the established bedtime routine, turn on a white noise disc, give the baby a pacifier, and after reaching the age of nine months, a small favorite toy.

Regardless of where your baby sleeps... how well would you sleep yourself?

The opportunity to watch a baby develop is one of the most wonderful gifts of fate. Every playful smile and happy laugh you witness is a treasure.

But in order to be able to enjoy these delightful moments, you need to stay awake.

Fortunately, there is a way out!

Calm, healthy, deep and sweet Dreams The birth rate of a newborn baby, among other factors, also depends on the position in which the baby sleeps. Until he can't roll over on his own, mom or dad puts him in the sleeping position. After birth, the baby gets used to the new environment, regains strength and learns about the world. At first, the baby sleeps a lot. While in the arms of Morpheus, the baby grows, develops, analyzes and remembers what he sees and hears. Moreover, in phase deep sleep The baby produces growth hormone. In order for the baby to sleep well, the mother bathes him in herbal decoctions, gives him a massage, breastfeeds him before bed and sings a lullaby. However, it turns out that sleeping position plays an important role.

Sleeping on your tummy

There is evidence that sleeping on your stomach can cause SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). However, scientists were unable to match these data evidence base and they were not confirmed by anything. At the same time, the baby feels safe in the stomach sleeping position. He feels comfortable and sleeps more peacefully. Sleeping on your stomach strengthens the muscles of your back, neck and shoulder girdle. Lying on his stomach, the baby slightly lifts bottom part body, resulting in improved blood supply to the brain. At the same time, the baby’s legs are in the correct physiological position, they are widely apart, which is the prevention of hip dysplasia. By cuddling his body to a warm crib, the baby loses less heat, so he does not freeze. Besides, gastrointestinal tract in the position on the tummy it works more actively, milk is absorbed better, colic bothers you less. It is worth placing the baby on his tummy at least during the daytime nap.

Sleeping on your back

While sleeping on his back, the baby can freely move his arms and legs and turn his head. However, the movements of newborns are still abrupt and uncoordinated, so babies often wake themselves up with their hands and scratch their faces. Trim your baby's nails promptly. You can also wrap the arms loosely in a diaper at night and leave the legs free. Imitation tender hug improves baby's sleep. You should not place your baby on his back if he has a stuffy nose. This will make it more difficult for the baby to breathe, because the swollen nasopharynx partially blocks the throat.

Sleeping on your side

The side position is the most common position for babies who spit up frequently. Place a folded terry towel, blanket or special bolster pillow under the baby's back. Then he won't roll onto his back. Just change the position of the child, each time putting him to sleep on the other side.

Sleeping in the fetal position

For some time after birth, the baby will try to take the position in which he spent the previous few months: he pulls his legs up to his tummy and presses his arms to his chin. But at the end of the month, the baby should already move away from this position. If this does not happen, you should visit a pediatrician and rule out muscle hypertonicity in the child.

Conditions for sweet sleep

1. Don't swaddle your baby. When the baby is tightly wrapped in fabric, he ceases to feel his legs and arms, begins to cry and get nervous. The child’s blood circulation deteriorates and there is a risk of hypothermia. It is better to wear loose cotton overalls on your baby, and instead of a blanket, use an envelope with a zipper or a sleeping bag that fastens on the hanger and expands towards the bottom. This way the baby will be able to move freely and will not open up at night.

2. The baby does not need a pillow; you should not put rolled up diapers under your head. It is better to slightly raise the crib or mattress from the side of the head, placing a small board under the legs.

3. If possible, do not put your baby to bed immediately after eating. Give him the opportunity to burp, carry him in your arms in a column. So, colic will not disturb the baby at night, and he will sleep more peacefully.

A newborn baby spends almost all of its time sleeping. He is still very small and not accustomed to the world around him. Parents must take care of the baby and provide him with a healthy and comfortable sleep. In what position should a newborn sleep? The article will consider the issue of creating conditions for good rest baby.

How to sleep in a crib for a newborn

The baby may feel discomfort in the first days after birth. However, for safety reasons, he is given a separate place to sleep. For these purposes, a standard crib is suitable, in which he can rest for several years.

What should be the position of a newborn during sleep? The baby can sleep in the crib as follows:

• Most comfortable position- on the back. The head should be turned to the side.
• You should not cover your newborn with duvets. It is best to wrap it in a thin blanket or sleeping bag.
• Can a newborn sleep on a pillow? The baby does not need it until the age of 1-1.5 years, so as not to cause spinal deformation.

For proper development The newborn should sleep on a hard surface. She is the safest for him. The mattress must be elastic. If the child buries his nose in it, it will not impede his breathing. Co-sleeping with parents should also take place on a hard surface. After all, the formation of the skeleton and the safety of the baby depend on this.

An important question is the choice of a children's mattress. The material must be hygienic and safe; it is better to use coconut fiber as a filler.

If the mattress is double-sided, then children under one year old need to sleep on its hard side.

Why does my child sleep poorly?

The main problems parents have with their babies are trying to get them to sleep. These include the following:

1. The baby cannot sleep more than 3-4 hours. He wakes up, cries and goes back to sleep.
2. It is impossible to put the child to sleep.
3. The baby wakes up at night and cannot fall back to sleep.

To understand why this happens, it is necessary to understand the structure of nighttime rest. It consists of several phases. Sometimes the baby can be woken up loud noise or bright light. To prevent this, it is necessary to provide him with comfortable sleeping conditions.

How to get good sleep

In what position should a newborn sleep? Before you fully decide on this issue, you need to create comfortable conditions:

1. The temperature in the newborn's room should be between 18-22 degrees.
2. The room must be well ventilated. In warm weather it is better to leave the window open. The main thing is not to put your newborn to sleep in a draft and dress him according to the weather.
3. The optimal humidity in the room should be 60%.
4. The mother of a newborn will have to face a choice between diapers and undershirts. To the baby, born in summer, you can sleep in a light vest. Newborn in winter time diapers will be needed. A hat is not needed indoors at temperatures above 18 degrees.

You need to create comfortable conditions in the room. To prevent the sun from shining into the baby's eyes, the curtains must be closed.

Which pose to choose

Can a newborn sleep on his back? It is necessary to choose the resting position correctly. A physiologically comfortable position for sleeping is the baby's pose with legs spread apart and arms thrown behind the head and clenched into fists. This position with the head turned to one side is safe and suitable for resting both during the day and at night.

Sleeping on your back

In what position should a newborn sleep? The position on the back is one of the safest and most acceptable for a baby. The baby's head should be turned to the side so that the baby does not choke if he burps.

Many parents practice placing their newborn in this position. The parties in which head turned, needs to be changed. This is done to prevent torticollis from forming. If the baby turns to one side most often, then you can place a diaper folded in several layers under this cheek.

When the baby prefers to sleep towards the light, it is necessary to change the position of the pillow. To do this, alternate the headboard and legs, so the baby is turned towards the window, but at the same time sleeps on different sides. The direction of rotation must be changed constantly: day and night.

Can a newborn sleep on his back? Despite the convenience of this position, this position is not always the most suitable. At increased tone muscles, the child moves his arms and legs, so he constantly wakes himself up. In this case, some mothers use swaddling, but not all babies like the restriction of freedom and therefore are capricious. Then they change their sleeping position. At pathological development hip joints, it is suitable for the baby to sleep on his stomach.

If a newborn is tormented by gases, then this position improves their release. A warm diaper is also placed on the tummy to ease the baby’s condition.

On the stomach

In what position should a newborn sleep? For the full development of the baby, experts advise placing it on the stomach every day, and it is advisable to do this several times. Baby in this position:

• lifts and holds the head;
• back muscles are developed;
• sees the world on the other side;
• the ability to navigate in space develops.

What is safe posture for a newborn's sleep? When he sleeps on his stomach, his intestinal gases pass normally. This helps improve his condition with colic. It is possible for a child to sleep on his stomach, but only under the constant supervision of his parents. After all, the baby can bury his nose in the pillow and suffocate. SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) may also occur. Typically, the danger increases if the surface under the head is soft. Therefore, babies under 1 year old should not sleep on a pillow; it is usually replaced by a diaper folded several times.

If a newborn sleeps on his stomach, then it is necessary to follow some safety rules:

1. Place the newborn on a smooth and hard surface.
2. Should not be left near it foreign objects(toys, clothes).

To control the breathing process, the baby must be under the supervision of parents. If they cannot keep an eye on the baby during sleep, then a less dangerous position should be chosen.

On the side

This position is quite safe for the baby, but it is necessary to prevent the possibility of turning over onto the stomach.

Can a newborn sleep on its side? To do this, the baby is laid down with a cushion of twisted blankets or towels placed under his back. When the baby lies on his side, he presses his legs towards his stomach, which helps the gases escape. In this case, the baby’s hands are in front of his face, and he can scratch himself. To avoid this, parents need to wear a vest with closed hands or special non-scratch mittens. This position is especially favorable for babies who constantly spit up.

When the newborn is positioned on its side, it goes increased load on pelvic bones. This position is contraindicated for babies in the first 3 months, as well as for those with hip dysplasia.

It is imperative to regularly change the position of the baby’s body to avoid the development of torticollis.

How to place your baby correctly

Can a newborn sleep on its side? As we have already said, it is better to lay it on the half-side. This position reduces the risk that the baby will choke when burping, and reduces the load on his hip joints. This position combines the positive aspects of sleeping on the side and back, and also prevents negative consequences.

The child must be placed on different sides to avoid the appearance of torticollis. To avoid confusion, parents can use a hanging toy that is repositioned when the baby’s position changes.

After feeding, it should be as follows: it is best to carry the baby vertically in your arms so that the air comes out. Only after burping can the child be placed in bed on his half-side or on his back, making sure to turn his head at the same time. This way, his sleep will become more sound, and the baby will not be bothered by colic and gas.

A newborn should not be swaddled tightly. You can use a sleeping bag, the baby will be able to move his arms and legs freely. At the same time, it is guaranteed not to open, and the mother will not need to worry that the child will freeze.

If parents cover the baby with a blanket, it should be at chest level.

Within 2-3 months after birth, the mother is recommended to use two positions for sleeping the baby: on the back and on the side. In the first position, you need to turn your head to the side. This is necessary so that saliva and milk mass flow out after regurgitation.

If you decide to place your baby on his side, you need to make sure that nothing interferes with him.

Baby's sleep duration

Newborns include babies whose age does not exceed 1 month. After this period, he becomes an infant.

How long does a newborn baby sleep before one month? The birth process has a stressful effect on the baby, so he needs to regain his strength as quickly as possible. The daily routine of a newborn is as follows:

• in the first weeks after birth, the baby sleeps for 20-22 hours;
• the rest of the time, until the month is completed, the baby rests for 18-20 hours, taking short breaks to eat;
• gradually the duration of sleep decreases to 16-17 hours.

How long does a newborn baby sleep after feeding? If the baby is full and nothing bothers him, then he can rest for 4-8 hours, this depends on the amount of food eaten and the nutritional value of the mother's milk.

Very convenient if most of your sleep occurs at night. This allows not only the baby to rest, but also his parents. To achieve this, pediatricians recommend reducing the duration of daytime sleep.

How long does a newborn baby sleep for up to a month during the day? Babies do not distinguish the time of day very well; most often they wake up at regular intervals in order to eat. But it is worth remembering that every baby is individual.

Is it necessary to rock a newborn?

Many parents believe that the baby should sleep in his own crib. However, some children begin to be capricious, ask to be held and cry. This happens because the newborn is frightened by the world around him. Everything here seems unusual and dangerous to him. The dearest creature at this moment is the mother. In such situations, psychologists recommend picking him up and rocking him to sleep. Feeling the mother's presence and her smell, the baby immediately falls asleep. You should not put your baby straight into the crib. He needs to be given time to fall asleep soundly.

In the first months, he needs to be placed in a crib, which is located in the parents' room. The more time the baby feels his mother’s presence, the higher the chance that he will grow up healthy and balanced.

What will help your child sleep

From the first days of life, most babies quickly fall asleep immediately after feeding or begin to doze already during the breastfeeding period. If this does not happen, then perhaps something frightened the baby or he was overexcited from new impressions.

Most often, problems with motion sickness of a month-old baby do not arise if he does not have any health problems.

Contraindications for various sleep positions

When putting the baby to bed, parents should worry about the safety of the position in which he is located. There are some contraindications:

1. Sleeping on the side and back is prohibited for infants who have been diagnosed with abnormal development hip joints.
2. Night and daytime rest on the back is prohibited in case of muscle hypertonicity (tight swaddling is recommended) and colic.
3. The head should not be higher than the body.

For proper formation of the spine, the baby is placed on a flat and hard surface.

Conclusion

So that the newborn has a strong and long sleep:

• the bed should be firm and level, a pillow is not required;
• it is necessary to surround the baby with care and attention;
• It is imperative to create comfortable conditions for sleeping.