Sleep
Room Sharing
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents room-share for 6 – 12 months, but do not share your bed. Room sharing means baby sleeps in a co-sleeper, bassinet or crib in your room. Only bring baby to your bed to feed or comfort, and put them back in their own sleep space when you will be sleeping.
Tummy Time
Newborns should always be put to sleep on their back. However, it is good for babies to have brief sessions of tummy time every day. Only do tummy time when they are awake and content, and while you are watching. Tummy time helps develop neck and shoulder muscles. It can also help prevent flat spots on the head.
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Safe Sleep Checklist
Research shows that these steps reduce your baby’ s risk of SIDS( sudden infant death syndrome):
• Breastfeed, room share and always put babies on their back to sleep.
• Use a firm, flat sleep surface. Never let baby sleep on soft surfaces like a waterbed or beanbag.
• Do not allow plush items in the sleep area( pillows, crib bumpers, stuffed animals, etc.).
• Do not allow smoking around your baby.
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use marijuana or illegal drugs in pregnancy or after birth.
• Avoid overheating baby. Use light clothing and adjust the room temperature as needed.
• Never let baby sleep with pets or other sleeping people. Babies can be injured or smothered.
• Do not use a semi-inclined seat for sleep, such as a swing. These can cause baby’ s head to fall too far forward and block their airway.
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Unsafe
Caring for Your Newborn 29