must-know sleep safety tips
Sleep safety is an important topic that should not be ignored, and it is my responsibility and duty as a Certified GSC® to share this information with you, even though it might seem stressful to think about or even overwhelming. As parents, our duty is to educate ourselves and make sure that our little loves are growing, developing and thriving.
Babies under 12 months
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS) is a leading cause of death for infants between birth and 12m of age. For this age group, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) promotes the ABCs of safe sleep, which stands for Alone (not sharing a surface), Back (sleeping on their backs) and Crib (do not nap in bouncers or swings). The safety recommendations below are easy ways to prevent SIDS and minimize risk:
Fitted sheets instead of loose sheets
Empty crib to avoid suffocation hazards
The AAP recommends room sharing and co-sleeping but NOT bed sharing. Co-sleeping involves being in a separate co-sleeper that is securely attached to the carer’s bed, but not sharing a surface.
Sleeping bag instead of blankets, so that nothing covers the face
Bumpers: The AAP does not recommend bumpers under 12 months of age, but countries have different guidelines on bumpers. Mesh, breathable bumpers are also an option to prevent suffocation hazards.
Pillows: The AAP does not recommend pillows. However, baby pillow is common in a lot of Asian countries, especially the hollow baby pillow for flat headed babies. If you do choose to use a hollow baby pillow, you may do so for pre-rolling babies for 3 months maximum. Once you see any signs of attempting to roll in the day or at night, the pillow MUST be removed to prevent the suffocation hazard.
Make it a habit to never hang towels, clothes, or anything on the railing of the crib, and limit distracting objects outside of the crib that your baby could grab or could fall.
Make sure that your baby is sleeping on his/her back for safe breathing. The AAP advice is to make sure that he/she is flipped back to be on his/her back if babies start to flip. Some baby cams have the function of detecting movement and sending you a notification on your phone, so that you do not have to consistently check all through the night.
Set up a baby cam for the room and review the nights’ tapes to ensure safety and check for potential red flags, but also make sure the baby cam is securely fastened and will not come loose and fall onto your baby. (Some baby cams come with a stand beside the crib, make sure the stand is out of reach.)
Bumpers & 1 soft toy (with no loose buttons or eyes) may be introduced as security objects at a later time (12m+)
Toddlers 12 months and above:
Blankets are allowed for 12 month and up by the AAP, but my recommendation is to continue with sleeping bags to make sure they are well covered throughout the night, especially if you have an air conditioned room. The TOG number on the sleeping back tells you the thickness of the sleeping bag, so you may find the appropriate sleeping bag thickness for your climate and time of the year.
Breathable bumpers are allowed for this age and up to avoid head bumps as they grow bigger.
“Loveys” or stuffed toys are allowed. Limit to 2-3 stuffed toys maximum, and ensure that there are no loose or small pieces eg. buttons or eyes that could potentially fall out that could cause a choking hazard.
Pillows: The recommended age for using a pillow by the AAP is 2 years old, to minimize extra material in the bed that could potentially be suffocation hazards. A small, firm pillow with a breathable, fitted pillowcase and no loose fabric is ideal for toddlers. You may led your toddler take the lead - when you notice your child using blankets or stuffed animals to prop up their head, they may also be ready for a pillow.
Babies & Toddlers in Floor Beds:
Some Montessori families use floor beds instead of cribs to promote freedom of movement and independence, and some use it for ease of breastfeeding. As a Montessori fan myself, I support your family’s choices. However, please be sure to follow the safety recommendations carefully, and imagine the entire room as an extra large crib that has to be as safe as a traditional crib:
Use a firm, low/thin mattress with fitted sheets
Consider using a low safety rail (no gaps in between the rail and the mattress) to prevent accidental roll-outs
Baby proof the room meticulously: No sharp corners, loose cables are taped and tucked away, power outlets are covered, cabinets and dressers are locked and secured to the wall, ensuring that nothing could fall on them and nothing could cause potential dangers.
Limit accessible toys to 3-4 toys in the room, ensure that there are no loose or small pieces, and remove any other potential suffocation hazards: stuffed animals, cushions, pillows, loose bedding.
Consider a baby gate for the door for crawlers & walkers
Consider using a sleep sack that allows for the walkers’ legs to be free so they do not trip over themselves during a night waking.
If the floor bed is up against the wall, make sure the mattress is very tightly tucked up against the wall that your baby will not roll and get stuck in between the wall and the mattress. You could also consider placing your mattress away from the wall to prevent risk of entrapment.
A mattress without a frame on the ground can accumulate mold or dust when used long term - please check and clean periodically!
Set up a baby cam with a wall mount with full room in view and review the nights’ tapes to ensure safety and check for potential red flags
Do plenty of research to see what fits your lifestyle and preferences, and it is okay to make adjustments to find what works for you and what doesn’t!
