Positions For The Newborn Baby To Sleep
The first thing we want to make clear is that there is no single perfect way for our babies to sleep.
Remember that every child is different. It is also necessary to take into account some factors such as the weather, if it is cold or hot , if the child suffers from gastric reflux, if he/she is healthy or has a problem. Or whether she is sleeping in her parents’ bed or in a crib.
Specialists from the Spanish Association of Pediatrics in Primary Care say that, during the first six months of life, the ideal is to put the child to sleep on his back.
The belly-up position is safer than the belly-down or sideways position.
Your doctor will help you decide the best way to put your baby to bed. However, the circumstances under which a newborn sleeps are varied.
Your pediatrician will ask you a few questions to decide which position is best for you to ensure your baby sleeps well.
To solve the most frequent questions, we decided to list the most common alternatives so that mothers can decide, together with doctors, what is best for their children.
supine or dorsal decubitus position
This is the sleeping position on your back. It is the position most recommended by pediatricians. This recommendation is based on scientific studies that reveal that this is the safest way for the baby to sleep.
If the newborn suffers from gastric reflux, some doctors recommend that mothers purchase a special mattress with a 45-degree incline. Thus, it is possible to avoid complications with the baby during sleep.
Prone or prone position
This position is to place the child on his/her stomach. Although some mothers believe that this way babies sleep more comfortably, there are some pediatricians who question this method.
Given the controversies surrounding this position for newborns, it is recommended to implement it only at the time of the baby’s nap. Because, during the day, mothers, fathers or caregivers can continuously supervise the child’s sleep.
lateral decubitus position
Most mothers believe that the best option for placing their babies on the bed is the lateral position because it provides greater comfort and safety.
Experts point out that, if you choose this position, moms should lift and stretch the baby’s arm, which is squeezing the mattress. In this way, it prevents it from turning on itself and lying on its stomach.
About sleeping in the same bed, warm clothes and pillows
If you are one of those moms who put the baby to sleep in the same bed, then you should talk to your partner about steps to take to ensure the baby’s safety when all three are sleeping.
In this case, it is usual for the baby to sleep in the middle of the bed, between the mother and father. That’s why we recommend only pulling the blankets halfway down. That way there is no risk of the baby being under it.
Parents should also try to sleep in a lateral position and always face the center of the bed. It is not recommended that neither the mother nor the father have their back to the baby.
Another frequently asked question by first-time mothers is whether babies should sleep with pillows.
Pediatricians agree that the ideal is to wait until the age of two. Until this age, it is best that the crib is free of any pillows or teddy bears at bedtime.
What is the correct way to cover babies when sleeping?
This answer depends on the season . If it’s winter, be very careful and dress them with special long-sleeved monkeys to withstand low temperatures.
When it comes to such small children, this option is better than quilts or blankets. If it’s summer, then you might want to dress him up in cotton clothes that are lighter and more comfortable for the baby.
With this information, you will certainly be able to help your baby to have a wonderful rest.
