One of the fundamentals to ascertain streamlined growth and health of newborn babies is appropriate sleeping positions. With an understanding of healthy sleeping positions for babies, parents can throw away the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also referred as ‘Crib Death’, the syndrome leads to death of infants between one month and one year.
Not just Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), premature babies are vulnerable to several respiratory ailments due to inappropriate sleeping positions. Respiratory Synaptic Virus (RSV), Pneumonia and Obstructive Airway Disease are the illnesses associated with sleeping positions. Therefore, correct sleeping position of newborn is of utmost significance that provides sufficient amount of air to the lungs.
Put Newborns to Sleep on Their Back
Researchers and physicians recommend putting newborns on their back for sleeping. It has been found that the babies who are put to sleep on their stomachs get susceptible to SIDS. The sleep position also relieves and reduces the risk of other health complications such as cold. Consult the pediatrician about alternate sleeping positions if newborn has experienced any kind of respiratory distress or gastroesophageal reflux.
Sleeping on back could ruin the shape of the head. In order to avert possibility of developing a misshapen head from this sleeping position, baby’s neck should be moved while he or she is awake.
Instructions
- Bedding for the baby should be comfortable and secure. To disallow baby from rolling over, use some bordering on either sides for restricting movement. This will ensure safety, security and comfort for your baby.
- Sleep positioner is another aid to ascertain healthy being of the newborn. While purchasing one, make sure positioner do not have elevated sides that could suffocate him or her. The positioner should be used in a way that swaddled baby is contained inside it, with only head elevated to restrict unnecessary movement. Innumerable sleep positioners are available nowadays, but choosing one for your baby is crucial that keeps baby snug, contained and elevated.
- In order to keep newborns warm and free from illness of any kind, swaddle them within a thin blanket. The swaddle blankets, especially manufactured for babies, keep newborns warm and healthy. Moreover, you can customise swaddle for your baby, by folding it down from the top corner and placing the newborn on top of it. Thereafter, wrap feet up close to his body and moving sides of the blanket tightly around each other.
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