Learn how to tell when a baby is ready for a crib
New parents often worry about what is best for their baby when it comes to sleeping conditions. And it’s no wonder as to why. Newborns require a lot of sleep to assist with the mass amount of growth their bodies go through during the earliest months.
If you’ve got a little one on the way, or if you’ve already brought home a newborn, knowing at what age a baby is ready to sleep in a crib is essential — not only to the child’s sleep, but to your own as well. After all, you can’t always be holding your little one.
Once you’ve shopped for the best crib, it’s time to put it to use. Here’s what you should know when preparing your newborn for the crib.
Newborns Can Start Sleeping in Cribs Immediately
It may shock some new parents to know, but newborns can start sleeping in a crib from the day they come home from the hospital. Of course, you always want to check with your doctor first to make sure your child doesn’t need any special type of sleeping apparatus. However, for the majority of newborns, getting their shuteye in a crib is perfectly safe.
On average, newborns sleep for 16 hours a day; however those 16 hours aren’t consecutive. Rather, a newborn will sleep for periods that range from two to four hours at a time. Because your baby needs to eat just as regularly, sleep periods never last much longer than four hours at a time.
How to Safely Put Your Baby in a Crib
When it’s time to put your baby down for a nap, always make sure that the child is placed on his or her back to sleep. You never want to place a child down for a nap on the stomach or side. SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, poses a higher risk to babies that are sleeping on their stomachs or sides.
Additionally, make sure that your crib is a safe environment. Have a firm crib mattress and ensure that the sheets fit tightly around it. Babies need a firm mattress for proper development. Furthermore, a firm mattress is safer for a baby, as soft mattresses can lead to the child getting stuck or becoming immobile. In addition to having a firm mattress, always check to confirm that it is the correct size for your crib by using the two-finger technique, in which you place two fingers between the crib’s frame and the mattress’s border. Your fingers should fit snugly into this area. If any more than two fingers can fit into this space, your mattress is too small for your crib and you’ll need to replace it before allowing your baby to sleep on it.
As tempting as it may be to fill your baby’s crib with cozy blankets and plush toys, you absolutely do not want to do this. This includes sheepskins, bumper pads and blankets. All of these things can pose safety risks to your child. There are other ways to make the environment cozy.
When dressing your little one for a nap, make sure that he or she isn’t over-bundled. You don’t want your child overheating while sleeping. If you notice that your child is sweating or feels hot to the touch, this can be a sign of over-bundling.
Tips for Putting Your Little One to Sleep
For some parents, getting your child into the crib can be a difficult process.For a newborn, a bassinet or a cradle might be a better choice, at least for the first few months. Babies find favorite nap spots, including car seats, carriers, and even your own arms. If such is the case with your baby, these simple tips can help you transition your child from his or her favorite sleep spot to the crib.
Firstly, some children react to a cold crib when being moved from the parent’s arms to the mattress. To help counteract your child’s negative reaction, try swaddling your little one before placing him or her in the crib. The swaddle will help keep your baby warm, as well as carry your scent, which could make sleeping in a crib more comfortable for him or her. Sleep sacks are another alternative for dealing with the mattress’s cooler temperature.
If your little one is awake but getting sleepy, try putting him or her in the crib and checking back in every five to ten minutes. If you can get your child to fall asleep in the crib itself (rather than being transferred), this is a smart step in the right direction.
Resources— KidsHealth, Parents
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