Babies are very fragile and are prone to many dangers as they enter the world. It is the parents’ duty to keep their babies safe from any dangers. Although you want to give them the best, what happens when the best can sometimes put them in danger?
Stuffed toys, comfy blankets, and even a baby pillow for cribs are lovely additions to your baby’s comfort, but they can cause harm if used improperly.
But how? What can we do to prevent terrible incidents from occurring? Can we even use anything for the comfort of our young ones, or is everything too unsafe?
Let us help you by listing down our safety reminders for your child’s sleep routine.
Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), SUID happens to babies less than 12 months old. But, as the name entails, it is terrifyingly unexpected and completely inexplicable most of the time.
In conjunction with SUID, SIDS is sudden death due to suffocation while sleeping or from other unknown causes. Sadly, thousands of babies die every year due to SUID and SIDS.
Many research papers say that babies sometimes forget how to breathe, which is why experts highly recommend that their cribs be kept free from any obstructions.
So what should we avoid putting in our baby’s crib? Do we have to remove them from the nursery completely?
Crib Pillows for Babies
Free-flowing air for your baby means nothing should be in your baby’s crib other than their mattress.
If you happen to be registering for your baby shower, we highly recommend crossing off the following:
Sleep Positioners
FDA has warned that sleep positioners put your baby’s life at risk. While the product advertises to correct your baby’s sleeping position, the result is the possibility of your baby rolling onto their bellies from a side position, which is one of the primary causes of SIDS.
Crib Bumpers
This soft padding over your baby’s crib bars is also a no-no for your baby’s crib.
Whether vertical or horizontal, these liner or mesh bumpers could cover your baby’s nose and mouth. Unfortunately, the strings used to tie them to the crib’s bars could entangle your little one.
If you’re scared about your child bumping into the hard crib bars, there are alternatives to your run-of-the-mill cribs like bassinets and pack n’ plays.
Crib Wedge Pillows for Babies
A baby crib wedge pillow or sleep incliner has a similar purpose to sleeping positioners: they correct body positioning. Ths design props your baby’s head up for the right placement and support.
According to the AAP, using crib wedges could cause your babies to have difficulty breathing since their chins are closer to their chest.
If you have already bought all of these pillows and cushions with the best intentions of giving your baby safety and comfort, refrain from using them with your newborns. Pillows and cushions are perfectly safe for your toddlers, so store them until then.
When and Why Do Parents Use Baby Pillows in Cribs?
While we shouldn’t put baby pillows or extra cushions in your baby’s crib, it doesn’t mean that your child should be bereft of cushioning forever. There are also some instances when your baby should use a pillow. Here are some of them:
When Your Baby Has Developed Independent Sleep Routine
Experts highly recommend keeping your baby’s crib bare until he or she is a little older (at least two years of age).
When your child learns how to sleep on their back or breathe with ease, you can introduce pillows, blankets, and other bed products.
When Your Baby Has Reflux
Reflux is when any food goes back up from the tummy. Symptoms include your baby spitting up food or vomiting.
Reflux can happen at any given time, even when your baby is fast asleep. Some pediatricians suggest sleeping wedges to keep your baby’s head higher than their stomach.
When The Doctor Prescribes
Sometimes, newborns need a special product to position them on their back during sleep. Putting throw pillows around your baby isn’t safe at all, though you might think it resourceful. You’re putting your baby at risk.
A sleeping wedge or any pillow support is much better. There are tons of quality pillows on the market to ensure your baby’s sleep position and safety. However, tread lightly and reach out to your baby’s doctor about wedges.
If you still want to use pillows, we highly suggest using smaller pillows made of breathable fabric and cushioning. Avoid pillows filled with feathers or firm foam, as these could easily deprive your baby of free-flowing air.
Crib Death: How to Avoid This Tragedy
An empty crib is a safe crib.
Anything that obstructs your baby’s need for free-flowing air can increase the risk of SIDS. The first 12 months are the most crucial points informing your little one’s breathing and sleeping patterns—ensure that their cribs are safe from obstructions during this time especially.
No smoking.
Doctors recommend you avoid smoking during pregnancy and even during the newborn stages. Imagine your baby’s tiny lungs inhaling all of the smoke you puff. It will not just risk their risk of SIDS but also of developing respiratory diseases.
It is better to find a smoking area away from your baby or, better yet, start your nicotine cleanse.
Let your babies sleep on their backs.
This is the best position for your lovebug to sleep in to prevent or reduce SIDS. Babies sleeping on their sides or their tummies are at risk of suffocating.
Swaddle your little one.
Swaddling helps your baby feel calm and warm like they are back inside their mommies’ tummies. In addition, swaddling keeps your baby from moving too much. However, be aware of how to swaddle your infant properly.
Sleep on separate beds.
Even if you are a light sleeper, many doctors do not recommend sharing the same bed as your newborn. This is because you can crush or suffocate your baby in your sleep.
Only The Best For Your Baby!
You might have grown up in a sleeping space filled with toys, crib wedges with cool patterns, or handmade blankets from your grandma.
After decades of unfortunate events, science has come up with safety guidelines for babies. It may sound far-fetched at first, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to caring for your little one.
Don’t worry! We know you’ll get used to this. There are plenty of ways to prepare the comfiest bedding set for your bundle of joy without compromising their safety.
Just remember that if you want to put anything movable into the crib, talk to your pediatrician first.
Safe parenting to all of our fellow parents! Check out the rest of our website for interesting reads like this one.
