So your baby sleeps safely
The sight of their peacefully slumbering baby regularly makes parents' hearts beat faster. Although your baby is asleep, your baby is very active. This is because it spends most of its sleep time in the so-called REM sleep phase. During this phase, it processes the many impressions of the day. It learns to categorise the experiences. Your baby needs a pleasant and safe sleeping environment for its dreams. A safe sleeping environment gives your child emotional security. But it should also have the security of having enough oxygen to breathe. Because this also prevents Sudden infant death syndrome before.
Where does the baby sleep?
Experts recommend that, if possible, the baby should sleep in the parents' bedroom until its first birthday, but not in the bedroom until its second birthday. own bed. The parent's regular breathing during sleep supports the baby's breathing regulation.
If the baby sleeps close to its parents, mums and dads may also notice more quickly if something is wrong with their baby's breathing. But in any case, the baby is then close to mum to breastfeed. This means that night-time sleep is not interrupted so much and the hormone oxytocin, which helps mum to fall asleep again quickly after breastfeeding, can work its magic.
Most parents use their own cot for their child. In the first few weeks, this can also be a bassinet or a cradle. Some also swear by the so-called "baby balcony". This extra bed, which is attached directly to the side of the parents' bed, is something I see more and more often in the families I accompany. It's practical. This way, the little one has its own place to sleep that suits it, but is close to the parents. And mum doesn't have to get up if she wants to breastfeed or soothe the baby during the night.
No matter what you choose, the important thing is that everyone involved feels comfortable with it - and that your baby can sleep safely.
How does the baby sleep?
Always lay your child on their back to sleep. This is the best way for them to breathe. Protecting your child from breathing difficulties and overheating is important for safe sleep. Both are risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome.
In concrete terms, this means that the ideal room temperature for the child is 16 to 18 degrees. This cool temperature is often unattainable in the summer months and some parents find this room temperature too cold. However, make sure that the room is well supplied with fresh air. Ventilation is not only important in summer, but also in the cooler months of the year.
No blankets, pillows, furs or cuddly toys should be placed in the cot, nor should a cosy blanket, nest or hot water bottle. These items harbour the risk of the baby's head slipping underneath (e.g. blanket) or getting so close to it with its nose (e.g. pillow) that it can no longer breathe freely or is too warm. Make sure that the materials in the bed are breathable. This creates a healthy sleeping environment.
Instead, your baby simply sleeps in a sleeping bag, preferably on an air-permeable mattress. Make sure the sleeping bag is the right size. If it is too big, there is still a risk that your baby's head will slide in and they won't be able to breathe properly. If your baby's hands and arms get cold in the sleeping bag, long-sleeved bodysuits or gloves can help to provide the necessary body warmth. However, babies are usually only too cool in the first few weeks of life.
The equipment in the cot may now seem very sparse. But this is the best way to ensure a safe sleeping environment. And your child won't mind this "minimalist" equipment in the slightest.
The right sleeping temperature for safe baby sleep
Your baby should not overheat. But your baby shouldn't freeze either.
Children are not able to regulate their temperature well, especially in the first few weeks.
So you will always have to regulate with more or fewer items of clothing.
If you are unsure whether your child is correctly tempered, the following test will help youFeel the skin on the back of your baby's neck with two fingers. If it is dry and pleasantly warm, the temperature is fine. If the skin feels sweaty, your child is too warm. Then dress him or her a little lighter.
The correct body temperature for your baby is between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees. If you are unsure whether your baby is too warm or too cold, it is best to take their temperature rectally with a digital clinical thermometer. In my Online infant care course I will show you how to recognise whether your baby is doing well and what you can do to make your baby feel completely comfortable.
Another important factor for healthy and safe baby sleep is an absolute smoke-free environment. However, it should not only be a matter of course for children when they are sleeping! Smoking is also a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome.
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