Introduction
Babies sleep up to 19 hours a day during the first months and thus spend more than half of the day in the crib. A safe sleeping environment for the baby is a prerequisite for healthy and restful sleep. Many parents are concerned that the baby might die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
SIDS often occurs during sleep and is the most common cause of death in babies. The exact cause has not yet been determined. However, it has been found that a safe sleeping environment reduces the risk of SIDS. Dangers when sleeping in a baby bed can be avoided if parents follow some rules when sleeping.
Which mattress is best suited?
Many parents think about buying the right mattress when buying the first equipment. Because at the beginning the baby sleeps a lot and spends a lot of time in the baby bed. To create an optimal sleeping environment for the baby, there are only a few things to consider when buying a mattress.
The mattress should be breathable to allow for optimal air circulation. This prevents heat accumulation and overheating of the baby during sleep. Because this is a risk factor for sudden infant death.
In addition, care should be taken to ensure that the mattress is not too soft. The baby should not sink in more than 2 cm. Because as soon as the baby can turn on the belly independently, it can support itself by a firm carpet pad.
(see When can babies start turning?) Most mattresses have a removable cover. This means that the mattress can be easily cleaned when dirty.
To avoid dangers when sleeping in a baby bed, parents should pay attention to a few things. It is recommended to let the baby sleep in a supine position. This can prevent the baby from suffocating while sleeping.
However, under supervision the baby can also sleep in the prone position. The room temperature should be between 16 and 18 degrees. This prevents the baby from overheating.
A suitable sleeping bag and a breathable mattress additionally prevent heat accumulation. Babies should not wear a cap or the like while sleeping, this can also cause a heat accumulation. A crib should be limited by bars so that the baby cannot fall out while sleeping.
The baby should also sleep on the parents’ bed or sofa only under supervision or with a sufficient boundary to prevent it from falling out. In the room where the baby sleeps, or better still, in the whole apartment, smoking is not allowed. Because nicotine increases the risk of sudden infant death.
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