A safe sleeping environment for your baby is important. A baby spends a lot of time sleeping. Accordingly, not only the sleeping recommendations for babies but also the optimal environment.
The sleep phases are not only important for babies for their development. Parents can also use these sleep phases to get a little rest and gain new strength.
Improved sleep for your baby
A good night’s sleep is important for your newborn’s development. The little body collects new energy and strengthens its immune system. The growth hormone is also released during the deep sleep phase and important learning processes take place. It is also a good opportunity for parents to recharge their batteries. Accordingly, you should guarantee a safe sleeping environment for the baby and follow sleeping recommendations. But here, too, it is true that the baby’s sleeping rhythm can be very individual. Consequently, we have collected the most important tips for you.
1) Baby’s sleeping environment: bedroom
An infant really only needs its own room if the father’s or mother’s night’s sleep is disturbed by the sounds of breathing and movements. Otherwise, you can let your newborn sleep in the parents’ bedroom. Sleep experts confirm that babies love to lie close to their parents. They are not disturbed by their rhythmic breathing, rather these sounds have a calming effect on them.
The room temperature of the bedroom should be about 18 degrees, and there should be calm here. It is also important that there is enough fresh air in the room and that it is not too dry. The room should be aired thoroughly before the baby is put to bed so that it does not get too drafty for the baby. It is also important that it is a completely non-smoking room. Also, note other tips for a good and healthy sleep.
2) The right sleeping position
You should lay your baby on his back to sleep for the first year. Because that’s the best way for it to breathe. Meanwhile, lying on your side and stomach is discouraged. This is intended to counteract sudden infant death. However, if your baby likes to fall asleep in these positions, you should turn them onto their back as soon as they fall asleep. You can also find out which is the healthiest sleeping position for adults.
3) safe sleeping environment with a matching baby bed
At first, it can be a suitable extra bed, later a bed of your own. For an optimal sleeping environment for the baby, nests, bed canopies, pillows, and large cuddly toys do not belong in the baby bed. Because these objects can slip on the child’s face and impede his breathing. A high-quality mattress is also very important for the baby bed. It should be a firm but at the same time, elastic base so that the baby lies on it in an anatomically correct manner. Since small babies are very sensitive, it is advisable to only choose a mattress that does not contain any harmful substances. Here it is advisable to pay attention to DIN standards and seals of approval. Also, read our comparison of different bed types.
4) Baby sleeping bag or blanket
Many midwives recommend a sleeping bag instead of a blanket. Its advantages are obvious. An infant can kick off a blanket but not a sleeping bag. Sleeping uncovered for a long time can cause health problems for a sensitive baby. Furthermore, the blanket can easily slip over the infant’s head and obstruct breathing. In contrast, a sleeping bag does not slip. But here the size of the sleeping bag is decisive and should be chosen carefully. Here you will find further useful information about baby equipment.
5) Optimal sleeping environment through appropriate clothing
The right clothes for sleeping are also important for the baby. Consequently, your baby’s clothes should not be too thin and not too thick. While your baby will notice when he’s too cold, overheating can be more challenging to spot. To find out the baby’s temperature, place your fingers between your child’s shoulder blades. It shouldn’t be too cool and sweaty here. A diaper and pajamas are usually enough for sleeping. In addition, note our useful tips for newborns.
