Snuggletime's Guide to Preparing Baby for Sleep

Here are some helpful tips:

Manage awake time

Babies’ minds are designed to absorb information and have a very sensitive sensory system. They can be easily overwhelmed and overstimulated during their awake time. This can negatively affect the quality of their sleep and the amount of sleep they are able to get. Try to manage and balance stimulation with quiet calm time during their day.

Bedtime routine

A good bedtime routine is important, especially as baby gets older and they start associating the bedtime routine with ‘it’s time for bed’. It helps to prepare their body and mind for sleep.

Eg: bath time --> massage –> sleep sack—>bottle/breast feed –>calm dark room—>white noise—>cot –> sleep

White noise is a tried and tested favourite to sooth and calm babies of all ages. A dark room helps to improve baby’s quality of sleep by increasing the release of melatonin in the body. For babies and toddlers under 2 years old, we recommend having a dark room for both naps and overnight sleep. This can help your baby to settle and fall asleep quicker and help them link their sleep cycles too.

Baby’s room

Ensure that whichever room you choose to have baby sleeping in, they are close enough for you to hear and respond to them quickly.

A co-sleeper/ bassinette next to your bed is a popular option for those first few months. It creates a safe sleep space of their own within arm’s reach of mom/dad, this is especially convenient for night-time feeds.

If baby is sleeping in a separate room, a baby monitor can give you peace of mind to hear when baby needs you.

Safe cot/sleep space

Mattress: the mattress baby sleeps on should be firm and the correct size for the cot/bassinette/camp cot. You should not be able to fit more than 2 fingers between the sides of the cot and the sides of the mattress. It is advisable for baby to sleep on a new mattress as bacteria and dust mites feed and breed in mattresses and are invisible to the naked eye. These superbugs can cause allergies and skin irritations. Look for a mattress with antibacterial protection.

Sheets: a fitted sheet is safer than flat sheets, ensure that the sheet is the correct size for the mattress and fits snugly.

Blankets/sleep sack – Dress baby in lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo. Avoid using thick blankets, duvets, or quilts for bedding to prevent smothering or overheating. A swaddling wrap or a sleep sack is a safer way to keep baby warm throughout the night without the need for loose blankets. Baby should not sleep with a hat on as they regulate their body temperature by releasing excess heat through their head.

Correct position: Back sleeping in the safest position for baby to sleep. Studies show that babies are less likely to choke on their backs. Back sleeping reduces the risk of cot death by as much as 50%. If baby suffers with reflux, positioning baby to sleep on an incline helps to reduce discomfort. (an angle up to 30’ is recommended)

Room temperature: a comfortable, stable room temperature of 18-20°C is preferable for baby. Avoid placing baby’s cot next to a heater, in direct sunlight, near a fire or air conditioner. Overheating is a significant risk factor for SIDS.

Pillows/ soft toys: avoid soft toys, pillows, or stuffed animals in baby’s cot as these get in the way and can potentially smother baby.

Creating a peaceful, comfortable, safe sleeping environment for baby will help them get the valuable rest they need to grow and develop.

Snuggletime specialises in safe sleeping products and offers a wide range of co-sleepers, anti-bacterial mattresses, sleep slacks and other products to keep baby safe and comfortable.