The newborn does not sleep on his side. The importance of quality rest for a baby

When a little person is born, young parents have a lot of worries, problems and new responsibilities. But even more questions arise related to raising a new family member. One of important issues associated with how a newborn should sleep correctly. Parents are concerned about which sleeping position is preferable, how much sleep a newborn baby should sleep, and what to do if the baby does not sleep well during the day. Let's try to sort out all the questions.

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Supine position

It is safest for your baby to sleep on his back. You can place your newborn on his back both day and night. In this position, the baby's head should be turned to one side, otherwise the baby may choke when burping. When laying the baby down, you need to turn his head in different sides- this will warn possible development torticollis.



Some children strive to independently turn their heads in the same direction. Then the child needs to be helped to overcome “stubbornness” and change the turn of his head. In this case, it is recommended to place a diaper folded in several layers under the baby’s cheek. Reduce the thickness of the diaper each time until the newborn gets used to turning his head in both directions.

Attention:

For hip dysplasiapositionon the back is not recommended. Mbabywith such a diagnosis you need to poston the stomachunder the supervision of parents.

With increased gas formation in a person suffering from colic, smallYutkabetterput on the stomach or side, and you can also warm the tummya special heating pad orwarmdiaper.





On the stomach

Many parents doubt whether a newborn can sleep on his stomach. The prone position is good for babies who are being tormented. intestinal colic. Lying on your stomach reduces the pain of colic and promotes the rapid passage of gases. But if you decide that your baby should sleep on his stomach, then his sleep should only take place under supervision. Let one of his relatives be with him every minute. This precaution is necessary to avoid sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The muscular, respiratory and nervous systems of the newborn are not yet fully formed. If a newborn puts his nose into a mattress or blanket, which cuts off the air flow, he may suffocate.



Many mothers find that their baby falls asleep easier on their stomach and sleeps for a long time. But for greater safety, it is worth keeping an eye on the baby and listening to his breathing. If it is not possible to stay close to the baby, after falling asleep, you can turn him on his back or side.

When choosing a position for sleeping on your stomach, alternate turning your baby's head. In addition, this position is also recommended when the child is not sleeping. Lying on his stomach, he learns to hold his head, trains the muscles of his neck and back, studies surrounding objects and learns to navigate in space.

How many times should a newborn be placed on his stomach? At least once every day. At the same time, both for sleep and for wakefulness, the surface must be hard and smooth. You can ensure a smooth and pleasant surface by covering the mattress with a diaper or sheet and carefully straightening the folds. Do not place pillows or anything similar under the child. The baby's sleep should not be disturbed by foreign objects and toys.





On the side

If the baby does not roll over onto his stomach on his own, then the position on his side is also acceptable and relatively safe. True, it is correct to place the baby on the half-side, placing a cushion of a towel or baby blanket under the baby's back.



When a toddler is very bothered by intestinal colic, lying on his side will make it easier to fall asleep, facilitating the passage of gases.

When you put your newborn to sleep on his side, put “scratchies” on his arms - special fabric mittens, or a vest with sewn-up sleeves. This way the baby won’t scratch and wake itself up.

Attention:

For hip dysplasiababy to sleep onsideNot recommended, since this position increases the load on the pelvicbonesbaby.



Do you need a pillow?

Young inexperienced mothers, having read all kinds of information and listened to the advice of grandmothers, place the baby on a pillow so that he lies in an elevated position. In their opinion, in this position the baby will burp less. In addition, it is believed that in an elevated position, the baby’s intestinal colic will be as painless as possible.

How many times have leading pediatricians said that this opinion is wrong. To avoid possible regurgitation, hold the baby upright for 5-10 minutes, place the baby's head on your shoulder and stroke his back. This will calm the baby and avoid regurgitation.

One of the main conditions for healthy sleep child - strictly horizontal position. The baby’s head must be at the same level as his body, only then can it form correctly cervical region spine.

Baby's sleep schedule

Pediatricians believe that for normal development A 1-month-old child should sleep 18-20 hours, with sleep evenly distributed between daytime and nighttime and alternating with periods of wakefulness. Taking into account the individual needs and developmental characteristics of each child, doctors have expanded the specified range and consider 16-20 hours a day to be the norm.



The sleep pattern of a child under one year old changes from month to month downwards - the older the baby becomes, the fewer hours of sleep per day he needs. For clarity, let’s present a table that shows how many hours a day children should sleep:

child's age	daily sleep norm
1-2 months	16-20 hours
3-4 months	17-18 hours
5-6 months	14.5-16 hours
7-9 months	13-15 hours
10-12 months	13-13.5 hours

The duration of continuous sleep for each child is individual and depends on the well-being and temperament of the baby - one baby can sleep for several hours in a row, while another needs only half an hour. With absence unpleasant symptoms, often accompanying children in the first weeks of life, the child’s sleep can last 2-3 hours. But if the baby suffers from abdominal cramps or increased cranial pressure, the child will wake up earlier than this. It has also been noted that babies fed with breast milk have less continuous sleep than bottle-fed babies.

Parents sometimes worry why babies make faces, smile, shudder, sob, make different sounds or twitch their legs when they sleep. This is absolutely normal phenomena, which should not cause concern to parents and are not any pathology.



Comfortable conditions

The parents' task is to create comfortable conditions so that the baby sleeps soundly and peacefully.



Before you put your baby to sleep, for proper sleep you need:

• Air temperature in the room +18+22°C.

The baby should be dressed taking into account the air temperature. It is important to maintain a balance here - not to wrap, but not to keep naked. If the baby gets hot, his pink cheeks will tell you about it, and if the baby gets cold, he will let you know about it by sneezing or active movements of his arms and legs.

• Regular ventilation of the room.

Fresh air helps a baby fall asleep. Any mother will agree that while walking outside, the child falls asleep faster and sleeps “sweeter.” Therefore, you need to let the “street” into the room where the baby will sleep more often.

• Air humidity 60-70%.

Optimal air humidity is very important for the normal well-being of a little person, so you need to maintain it at the recommended level, for which you can use a humidifier.

• No noise or harsh sounds.

Newborns react painfully to sharp sounds and loud music. Before rocking a newborn to sleep, you need to protect him from noise when falling asleep.

• Lack of bright light.

Bright light irritates the baby and makes it difficult to fall asleep. During the day, it is advisable to close thick curtains or blinds, and at night use dim light, such as a night light.



• Hard, flat and smooth surface.

For sleeping, you need to use a dense, hard mattress that does not leave dents. The recommended distance between the crossbars of the crib is 5-8 cm. The blanket should cover the baby's legs and chest, and it is advisable to leave the face open. To prevent the blanket from slipping, it should be fixed by tucking the edges under the mattress.

Possible violations

The causes of sleep disturbances are usually divided into two categories: medical and domestic. Let's talk about each of them in detail. But first you need to find out when parents can start to worry. Sleep problems are indicated by:

• total sleep time during the day is less than 15 hours;
• if the baby does not sleep for 4-5 hours in a row or even all day;
• the child scratches his eyes, is restless and overexcited, wakes up almost immediately after falling asleep.
1. 1. Medical reasons

Caring and attentive parents, worried that their child is not sleeping well, are ready to consult a doctor for help. Sleep problems in adults and children are studied by somnologists. Find a similar specialist in ordinary cities quite difficult, and not every regional center can boast of such personnel. Therefore, in case of sleep disorders, the baby is often examined by neurologists. Timely appeal Seeing a neurologist will help you not to miss the beginnings of disorders respiratory system, neurological diseases or increased ICP.



If a month-old baby does not sleep all day and does not cry, there is no need to worry about his nervous system. It's worse when a newborn cries constantly. But here, in most cases, the problem lies in imperfection digestive system baby. At wrong mode and diet, the intestines torment the baby with painful colic and prevent him from falling asleep.

Most often, intestinal dysfunction is caused by newfangled recommendations from pediatricians to prohibit giving water to children who are on breastfeeding. According to doctors, breast milk contains enough water. But, in addition to liquid, milk contains a high content of fats and carbohydrates, which do not have time to be digested. As a result, the baby's belly swells, gases do not pass away and make it difficult to fall asleep. The baby's pain can be relieved by giving him dill water or by applying a diaper heated with an iron to the stomach. Of course, the causes of pain can be more serious, so if the child’s well-being does not improve within an hour, it is better not to risk it and call an ambulance.

There are also the opposite situations, when the baby sleeps a lot and is not awake much. Some babies can compensate for hunger by sleeping soundly and not waking up for the next feeding. In any case, when a newborn sleeps a lot (more than 3-4 hours), he needs to be woken up and fed.

1. 2. Household reasons

If a baby rubs his eyes but cannot fall asleep, it means that something is bothering him. Household causes of sleep disturbance in a newborn child arise when the conditions for comfortable sleep mentioned above are not met. Check the temperature and humidity in the room. Wet cleaning, ventilation, adjustment of heating radiators in winter time necessary for a comfortable sleep.

No matter how trite, but most of Sleep problems occur due to poor-quality diapers. Disposable diapers, the so-called “diapers”, are one of the best inventions of mankind that can improve the quality and duration of sleep for babies and their parents. Even with a modest family budget, it is worth allocating funds for the purchase of diapers. They will not make the skin itch, and the child will be able to sleep peacefully.

Selecting a location

It is important not only how a newborn should sleep, but also where - in a cradle, cradle or crib.

The most common options:

• Baby cot in the parents' room. The best option for children from birth to one year.
• Baby cot in a separate room (children's room). The best option for babies over one year old.
• In the same bed with my parents. A modern hobby with many conflicting pros and cons.



Pediatricians agree that it is better to put a newborn to sleep in a crib or cradle. If you use a large bed to sleep your baby, then cover the baby with a soft blanket - this will provide him with a feeling of security. The mattress should be smooth and hard, and it is advisable to use a pillow after two years of age. Buy bedding for your baby from natural fabrics. To wash clothes, use special anti-allergenic powders and the “extra rinse” mode.

To avoid problems with a newborn’s sleep, you need to define a few rules for yourself that will help organize your daily routine and develop bedtime rituals.

• Developing a sleep routine.

All family members must obey the same regime, and the baby is no exception. Determine a morning wake-up time and an evening bedtime that is convenient for you, and try to stick to it exactly.



• Avoid excess sleep during the day.

Prolonged sleep at night is guaranteed if the baby does not sleep too much during the day. To help your baby sleep at night, don't be afraid to wake him up during the day if he sleeps more than he should.

• We adjust feeding.

Up to three months, a child may wake up 1-3 times at night due to hunger. In the period from 3 to 6 months, one feeding at night may be enough for a toddler, and after six months the baby sleeps all the time at night without waking up. These parameters are individual for each child. To renew night sleep Doctors recommend giving less food at the penultimate feeding. Let the baby eat little in the evening, and feed him more nourishingly at night.

• Active day and relaxing evening.

Walks in the fresh air in winter and summer, outdoor games should occur during the daytime. IN evening time Create a calm environment that will help your child relieve the stress of the day. A lullaby before bed, a bedtime story, or watching cartoons (for older children) will help your baby relax and develop a bedtime ritual.

• Swimming before bed.

Proven remedy for good sleep– evening hygiene procedures. Massage and bathing will help your baby expend his energy, eat with appetite and sleep peacefully. The little ones can benefit from being carried in their arms, rocked to sleep, or from their mother's breast.

One of the first questions you should answer after your baby is born is: where will he sleep? In the cradle? In a crib with side walls? In an attached crib - a special device for co-sleeping with baby? Or in your bed?

This is an issue to think about carefully because your choice of location will affect your sleep, your baby's sleep and his or her safety. Of course, your newborn baby should sleep in the same room as you! It’s more comfortable for him, and much more comfortable for you. When he's around, you can always hear if he's vomiting, having trouble breathing, or feeling uncomfortable for one reason or another. And most importantly, being close to your baby reduces the risk of SIDS. So let your swaddled baby sleep next to your bed, in a bassinet, side-by-side crib or side crib. I advise you not to take him into your bed for at least the first six months.

Make sure the bassinet you choose has a wide bottom (so it won't tip over if you hit it). You also need a firm mattress, but one that is comfortable to lie on, and the height of the side walls should be at least forty centimeters (measured from the bottom of the mattress).

When choosing a crib with side walls, make sure that it is safe and assembled correctly (read the instructions or look for information on the manufacturer’s website).

An attached cot allows you to enjoy co-sleeping and is safe at the same time. It is placed directly next to your bed, and one side of it is lowered so that you can easily reach the baby if you need to feed him or just cuddle him. (Just be sure to swaddle your baby and make sure his crib is securely attached to your bed to avoid accidental falls.)

(Regardless of the approach you choose, be sure to follow the safety guidelines below.)

When babies are around five or six months old, many parents move them to another room. At this age, children easily tolerate such a move, although it can be postponed.

Dangerous places: where you shouldn't sleep

Certain places where a child can fall asleep pose a real danger. These include sleeping on sofas and chairs, sleeping in a sitting position (for example, in a car seat or carrier) and in an incorrectly designed baby sling.

Researchers from different countries Those who have studied this issue agree on one thing: sleeping on sofas, armchairs and other upholstered furniture is very dangerous! Scottish researchers have found that the risk of SIDS in babies who are left to sleep on the sofa is sixty-seven times higher. The risk is also greater if infants sleep on recliners, recliners, couch cushions, bean bags, and air mattresses.

A car seat is also not a safe place, and your baby should not sleep there. An exception may be a short nap when you are driving somewhere nearby. In the first six months of life, when a child is sitting, his heavy head can become overweight and lean forward strongly, and this can cause breathing difficulties and asphyxia.

What about baby slings? The sling is a wonderful thing. In it, the baby can continuously enjoy touches, movements and sounds, coupled with your smell, which soothes him. In addition, your hands remain free and you are free to do other things. So this one simple design made from fabric is very helpful for young mothers; I suspect that these were the first items of clothing in ancient times.

However, children often fall asleep in their cozy slings, and this is fraught with serious danger. Therefore, make sure that your sling:

• not too deep - if your baby ends up in the C position at the very bottom, he risks suffocation due to lack of air flow (the baby should be positioned high enough so that you can see his face);
• supports the child's back so that his chin does not fall down and his head is not twisted towards the chest, which will make it difficult for the child to breathe or start crying, asking for help;
• able to withstand the weight of the baby, protects against falling;
• there are no folds of fabric that can put pressure on the nose or mouth.

One more thing important rule Using a sling: When carrying a baby in a sling, do not handle hot food or liquids.

What about sleeping in a baby swing? Many swings are safer to sleep in than car seats because the design of these baby swings prevents your baby's head from accidentally falling forward. But only use a swing if your child has trouble falling asleep and finds it difficult to fall asleep while still.

As you can see, children are not particularly picky when choosing a place to sleep. They sleep just as soundly in a simple side-by-side crib as they do in a luxuriously appointed nursery. So, if you want, you can paint fluffy clouds on your bedroom walls, but remember that the main thing is to ensure your child's safety while sleeping. And this brings us to a controversial issue.

Is sleeping in the same bed a great idea or a risky idea?

I realize that by expressing my thoughts on this matter, I may become as unpopular with some of you as a sweat rash on a child's bottom. But I hope that you will listen to me, because sleeping in the same or in different beds (to be or not to be!) is a very important question.

Adults have been taking children into their beds since time immemorial. This is as old as time. Since ancient times, parents and children slept together for safety, warmth and comfort. And the custom is growing in popularity: the number of families in which children share beds with adults more than doubled between 1993 and 2000. Dr. Fern Hauk from the University of Virginia reported that in 42% of American families, babies are taken to the parent's bed at the age of two weeks, and in 34% of families - from three months. (The main reasons are to calm a baby who is tossing and turning, to promote sleep, and to make breastfeeding easier.)

However, there is extensive statistics of tragic cases associated with sleeping in a parent's bed. For this reason, over the past twenty years, scientists have devoted a lot of time and effort to the following question: is it dangerous to take children into your bed and, if so, how? The research results are somewhat troubling.

British researchers have found that during the night, most children who sleep in the same bed with adults have their mouths and noses covered with bedding for some time. A third of mothers accidentally put their hand or foot on their children while sleeping.

Sally Baddock, who led a team of New Zealand scientists studying infant sleep, also expressed concern that a baby's face might be obscured while sleeping in a parent's bed. Eighty infants were videotaped sleeping: forty of them slept in cribs, and forty in bed with their parents. A study of the obtained video recordings showed that the faces of the babies who slept with their parents were covered with bedding for a total of about an hour!

Cameras installed by a team of researchers recorded that during the night the children's faces were covered with bedding more than a hundred times (usually above the eyes). As a rule, either the mother or the child threw off the blanket. But a quarter of the twenty-two children, whose heads were periodically covered at night, woke up in the morning under the blanket. This is a very alarming statistic.

In addition, Baddock found that children who sleep in the same bed as their parents eat 3.7 times more often at night, and a quarter of fathers eventually move from the “family bed” to another place. And, most alarmingly, babies who shared a bed with their parents spent 66% of the time, or 5.7 hours per night, lying on their sides (rather than on their backs, which is a safer position). One child who slept with his parents even rolled over onto his tummy.

Studies from Germany, Holland and Scotland have shown that sharing a bed with parents is associated with an increased risk of SIDS before three to four months of age (and later in life if parents smoke).

At the same time, it was found that Japanese babies who sleep with their parents do not have an increased rate of SIDS (possibly because they sleep on hard futons). And during studies conducted in England, Canada and the USA, it was found that co-sleeping does not carry any risk if the parents are sober, attentive and do not smoke.

Having studied in detail the results of all latest research, majority medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatric Society, have issued recommendations against co-sleeping with young children. And I agree with them.

While I personally enjoy bed sharing with older children, I don't recommend doing so in the first six months of life (or even in the first year if any of the risk factors listed below apply to you).

In my opinion, it's best to provide a place for your baby to sleep directly next to your bed: in a bassinet, side-by-side crib, or side crib... just not in your bed. It will be easy for you to feed and soothe your baby, and you yourself will sleep better, knowing that you have taken everything possible measures so that your baby is not in danger.

How to make sleeping in the same bed safer

If, despite everything, you prefer to sleep together, you need to minimize the potential hazardous factors. The tips below will help you create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby and significantly reduce the risk of trouble.

Safe bed

Do not sleep on waterbeds, air mattresses or other living room furniture.

Make sure there are no openings between the mattress and the wall or bed frame and headboard that could trap a baby's head.

Safe bedding

Use a sheet only - no pillows, duvets, duvets, bumpers, stuffed animals or sleep positioners.

If the room is cold, dress your child warmly, but so that he does not overheat. (Touch his ears and nose - they should not be cold or hot.)

Safe bedmates

You should not put your baby in the same bed with smokers, pets, other children, overweight people, or those who are very tired.

Let the baby lie next to one of the parents, not between the two of you.

Don't drink alcoholic drinks and don't take medications (including antihistamines) that may dull your ability to feel your baby and respond to his needs.

Baby safety

Always place your baby on his back. Breastfeed him if possible.

Give him a pacifier before bed.

Don't take it to your bed premature baby or a child born underweight.

Safe room

Maintain the air temperature within 19-22 °C. The room must have good ventilation. Do not use candles, incense sticks or burn wood.

Safe swaddling

Wrap your baby snugly in a large, lightweight swaddle to make it harder for him to accidentally roll out of bed and prevent him from unwrapping himself while he sleeps.

Finally, you need to remind all family members, nannies and other people who help you with your baby about the importance of placing your baby on his back and all other safety rules.

Five more preventive measures

Here are five more tips to help you keep your baby safe:

• Never leave a child alone in an adult bed. Even two-week-old babies can roll or crawl off it.
• Install fire alarms with smoke detectors. If you already have such an alarm, check if it works.
• Install the sensor carbon monoxide in the hallway next to the bedrooms.
• Make sure there are fire extinguishers on every floor of the house that are easily accessible.
• Make an evacuation plan in case emergency(for example, fire). If you live high up, keep a rope ladder and a head cover handy to prevent smoke inhalation - these items may be needed during an evacuation.

Once you have installed an alarm and purchased fire extinguishers, call insurance company. They may give you a discount for taking these precautions.

Where does your baby sleep after three months?

By four months, your baby will likely have outgrown the cozy newborn bassinet. And you will have to make two important decisions regarding where he will now sleep:

1. In a crib... or in your bed?
2. In your room... or in the nursery?

Let's look at your options.

In a crib or in the same bed with parents?

Moving your baby from a bassinet or side crib to a regular crib with sides is fairly easy. A couple of weeks before you do this, just come up with some nice ritual: for example, play in a new crib for a short time every day (a gentle massage would be ideal). For children over nine months old, a small soft-touch diaper or a favorite teddy bear (an object for transferring attention) will also help them get used to a new place.

And, of course, continue to play white noise, which will calm the baby and help smooth out this transition.

Or you may decide that the baby will now sleep in your bed. It's hard to resist the temptation to snuggle up next to your baby!

I mentioned above that the risk of SIDS increases when you bring a newborn into your bed. However, research shows that after four months (or in the case of premature babies, four months from the day they were due), you can safely put your baby in your bed if you make every effort to do so. to avoid potential dangers.

However, if you choose to co-sleep, you may be in for some unexpected surprises. unpleasant consequences. According to many studies, children who sleep with their parents are more likely to wake up during the night. A survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation of America found that 23% of families where parents slept with their children had sleep problems, compared with 13% of families where children slept separately.

Another study found that while many people enjoy co-sleeping with their children, 30 to 40% of parents believe that co-sleeping is harmful to the child and the entire family. They did this because they did not know how else to calm the baby. The same study found that parents who co-sleep with their children were three times more likely to consider co-sleeping a major stressor on their marriage.

So choose what is right for your family, but please be vigilant and careful.

Moving: from your room to the nursery

At three months of age, 85% of babies are still sleeping in their parents' bedroom. Sleeping in the same room is very convenient, so there is no need to rush to transfer your baby to the nursery.

If your little one sleeps in a cradle for newborns or an additional cot, then it is easy to feed him. There is no need to run down a cold, dark corridor in the middle of the night and then suffer from insomnia. In addition, by turning on white noise for your child, you listen to it yourself and sleep better yourself.

In addition, sleeping in the same room is safer. You will hear in time if the child has any problems; this reduces the risk of SIDS.

However, by the first birthday, approximately 70% of parents move their children to another room.

When is the best time to do this? Preferably, within a period of six to seven months. After this, children become much more accustomed to the details around them, and they may have problems when changing the environment.

Also, by eight months, many children begin to become anxious if they notice that no one is nearby. Transferring to another room can be a real test if the child has managed to get used to the fact that there is someone in the room all the time, and now suddenly finds himself in all alone. Fear of separation (separation anxiety) is especially strong in sensitive and cautious children.

When you move your child to another room, don't be alarmed if he protests the first few nights you leave. If this happens, I recommend immediately picking him up and calming him down (don't talk too much or feed him too much; in this case, you will encourage his protests willy-nilly). When the baby calms down, put him back. If he gets nervous again, pick him up again. Repeat this as many times as necessary. If you pick your baby up as soon as he starts to fuss (and turn on white noise), his fussing rarely lasts longer than half an hour.

Here are some additional ways to make it easier for your child to get used to a new place:

• Spend more time in the nursery for one or two months before moving your child there. Use his room for pleasant, quiet activities: for example, feeding, massage, singing, nap or motion sickness.
• During the transition period, use the entire arsenal of habitual actions and rituals of falling asleep that the child likes: stick to the established bedtime routine, turn on a white noise disc, give the baby a pacifier, and after reaching the age of nine months, a small favorite toy.

Regardless of where your baby sleeps... how well would you sleep yourself?

The opportunity to watch a baby develop is one of the most wonderful gifts of fate. Every playful smile and happy laugh you witness is a treasure.

But in order to be able to enjoy these delightful moments, you need to stay awake.

Fortunately, there is a way out!

Antipyretics for children are prescribed by a pediatrician. But there are emergency situations with fever when the child needs to be given medicine immediately. Then the parents take responsibility and use antipyretic drugs. What is allowed to be given to infants? How can you lower the temperature in older children? What medications are the safest?

Once the baby is born, it spends almost all its time sleeping. He is still tiny and not used to the world around him. It is important for mom to take care of him and ensure a safe and comfortable sleep. How should a newborn baby sleep: next to his mother or in a crib, on his side or back, in a diaper or under a blanket, which mattress to choose? Doubts are normal for a young mother, we can sort them out further.

How should a newborn sleep in a crib?

Should a newborn sleep in a crib or is co-sleeping better? A newborn baby in a crib may feel discomfort in the first months, but according to safety rules, the child is allocated a separate place to sleep. A standard crib will do; your baby will be able to rest in it for years.

How a newborn should sleep in a crib Komarovsky video:

How newborns should sleep in a crib:

• The optimal position is on your side. It is dangerous to lay on your back; regurgitation is possible;
• The pillow is not used until 1 - 1.5 years, the mattress needs a firm one;
• There is no need to cover the baby with soft down blankets; it is better to use a diaper, wrap it in a thin blanket, and put on a sleeping bag.

What surface should a newborn baby sleep on? For proper development The child's body needs a hard surface. It is the safest, the baby will not bury his nose, and it will not make breathing difficult. A newborn should sleep on a hard surface even when sleeping with his parents.

A newborn child must sleep correctly from birth; health, skeletal formation, routine and safety depend on this.

A newborn baby should sleep correctly from birth. Health, skeletal formation, routine and safety depend on this.

What mattress should a newborn sleep on? Choosing a mattress is a responsible process. The material chosen is hygienic and safe; it is better to choose coconut fiber as a filler. They produce spring and springless mattresses; the parents decide on which mattress a newborn child should sleep.

Which side of the mattress should a newborn sleep on? If the mattress is double-sided, it is preferable for children under one year of age to lie on the hard side. Then the mattress is turned over to the soft side.

How to choose a children's mattress for healthy sleep video:

Which side should a newborn sleep on?

Why should a newborn sleep on its side? This best pose for safe sleep, the child does not have difficulty breathing, if the baby burps, food will not get inside.

To ensure that the baby lies on his side and does not try to roll over, you can place bolsters from a blanket or diaper under the backrest, or a sleep holder to fix the position. Hands can wake up the baby; it is advisable to wear a vest with closed sleeves or scratchy gloves.

How long should a newborn sleep on its side, and how often should it be turned over? For uniform development of the skeleton, every few hours it is necessary to turn the baby on different sides.

In what position should a newborn baby sleep?

Some children sleep on their stomachs from birth, while others are placed by their mother on their backs or sides. The baby should sleep in such a way that he can breathe freely, the bones of the skull and posture are formed correctly.

Opinions vary on what position newborns should sleep in. It is not recommended to leave the baby on his stomach for a long time until he has learned to hold his head. Sleeping on the back is dangerous because the child is able to burp and food will make breathing difficult.

In what position should a newborn baby sleep?

• On the side. This is a common position and is safe for those who frequently spit up. It is important to periodically change one side to the other;
• On the back. You need to be careful with your posture. The baby moves his arms and legs unconsciously in his sleep and may become frightened. Swaddling will allow you to restrain movements, and the baby will feel calm. If the baby has a stuffy nose or difficulty breathing, you should not put him on his back, it is better to put him on his side;
• On the stomach. This position strengthens the muscles of the neck and arms, but is not suitable for sleeping during the newborn period. The respiratory system is imperfect, there is a high risk of suffocation. It is advisable to place it on the baby’s stomach during the day, under the supervision of the parents.

What does the child’s pose video say:

There are many discussions on forums about what position a newborn should sleep in. If any doubts arise, it is advisable to contact a pediatrician who will tell you how best to position the baby.

How should a 1 month old baby sleep?

How long should a one-month-old baby sleep? Typically, sleep lasts approximately 20 hours a day with breaks for food. Discharge from the maternity hospital occurs no earlier than the child is at least 3 days old. This is a very short period of time and the baby will need time to adapt to the new sleep pattern. Mom should be nearby maximum amount time.

The normal body temperature for a newborn is 37C, it is not considered high, and you should not panic.

At what temperature should a newborn sleep? The optimal air temperature in the room is 18 - 22 C, it is important to prevent possible drafts. The air needs to be humidified. Dry air makes breathing difficult and dust gets into the nose. At a comfortable temperature, it is enough to cover with a warm sheet. If the house is cold, a blanket is used.

How should a 2-3 month old baby sleep?

At 2-3 months, children sleep approximately 15-16 hours, this does not mean that they sleep all the time separately from their mother. A 2 month old baby can sleep at the breast and doze in his arms. During the day, sleep is short and lasts about 40 minutes. At night, the baby sleeps longer, waking up to feed at intervals of about 3 hours.

A two-month-old baby moves more, but is not yet able to hold his head tightly; falling asleep on his stomach is not recommended.

A 3-month-old baby sleeps for about 10 hours at night, waking up to feed. During the day, the total duration of sleep is 5-6 hours.

What pillow should a newborn sleep on? It is important to select a pillow from natural materials, 1-2 cm high, with hypoallergenic fillers.

Orthopedic pillow for newborns:

At what angle should a newborn sleep? Only a newborn baby should fall asleep on a flat surface. Later, it is recommended to place a towel under the mattress so that the angle of inclination does not exceed 30 degrees. You can also use a special large inclined pillow.

Tilt is needed for normal blood circulation and to prevent neck stiffness.

Happy young parents, having waited for the birth of a long-awaited miracle, face many problems in the first days of communicating with their baby. One of the most important is the organization of healthy sleep for infants. All kinds of advice fall on the head of a newly-made mother and father: the mother-in-law demands the creation of ideal silence, the mother-in-law is against sleeping together, experienced friends recommend falling asleep on your own from the first days.

Let's try to figure out how to properly put a newborn to sleep.

The importance of getting enough sleep

In the first month of life, sleep occupies the main place in the life of an infant. It lasts up to 20 hours a day and is of great importance:

• in a dream the baby grows;
• restores strength;
• strengthens the nervous system;
• accumulates energy to get acquainted with the new world.

Creating conditions for baby's sleep

Sturdy and good sleep a newborn is directly related to the conditions created for him by his parents. These include the following factors.

Crib, mattress, pillow

The place to sleep must meet the requirements of safety, convenience and hygiene. Selection of cots for modern market huge. They have different functionality, differ in shape, parameters, and design. The main thing is that it is made from environmentally friendly materials. If this classic version, the width between the rods should not be more than 6 cm.

You should carefully choose a children's mattress: the ideal option is a special orthopedic one that fits tightly to the walls and exactly matches the size of the sleeping place. Initially, for the convenience of communicating with the baby, the mattress is fixed at the highest position, then, when the child learns to stand up on his own, it is lowered.

Ideal conditions for a baby are plenty of light and fresh air. Don't forget about daily ventilation, wet cleaning premises and frequent changes linen

How long does a newborn sleep?

The duration of sleep for a child up to a year depends on individual characteristics body and is not the main indicator of the baby’s development. The baby is not aware of the time of day, so he sleeps and wakes according to his biological clock.

According to average statistics, in the first month of life, 16-20 hours of sleep per day is considered the norm. The older the child gets, the less he sleeps. By the age of one year, daytime sleep can be once or twice, and nighttime sleep can not be interrupted for feeding. Sleep disturbance indicates problems with health, nutrition, and intestinal colic.

There are generally accepted sleep standards, presented in the table:

The indicators indicated in the table are arbitrary and vary depending on individual characteristics.

A newborn's sleep time is also related to the microclimate of the family. Fatigue and emotional exhaustion mothers directly affects the condition of the child. His sleep may be restless and short-lived.

It is important to adhere to the regime from the first days. Keeping your baby healthy and sleeping means creating a cozy and comfortable family environment.

What position should you choose for sleeping?

The physiologically natural position is for the newborn to lie on his back with his legs spread apart and his arms bent behind his head, clenched in fists. Sleeping on your back with your head turned to the side is not dangerous and is suitable for daytime and nighttime rest.

It has been proven that you need to monitor the baby’s posture and constantly change it (especially the position of the head) for the proper formation and development of the musculoskeletal system.

Pediatricians consider sleeping on one of the sides and down the stomach to be convenient and comfortable positions. Let's take a closer look at them.

Sleeping on your side

The safest sleeping position, due to the structural features of the gastrointestinal tract of infants. Due to the deficiency of the cardiac sphincter, babies can burp, often profusely. This position will not allow you to choke on the regurgitated mass. They practice laying on the half side with a rolled up towel or. Remember to regularly change your baby's body position to avoid developing torticollis.

Sleeping on your stomach

It has a positive effect on the development of the child, helping to strengthen the muscles of the back and neck. This position is especially convenient in the first three months, when the baby is bothered by intestinal colic. The position on the stomach eliminates accumulated gases, guaranteeing a restful and sound sleep.

However, this situation requires increased vigilance: in order to avoid sudden infant death syndrome, it is necessary to constantly monitor, especially in the first three months of life.

The baby is not able to control his body and can bury his nose, stopping the flow of air, which can lead to cessation of breathing.

You should not leave the baby on your stomach for a long time. It is worth changing the position after some time. Experts recommend lying on your stomach during sleep several times a day.

Contraindications for different sleep positions

When putting your baby to sleep, first of all remember the safety of the position in which he is located. There are a number of contraindications:

• sleeping on the side and back is contraindicated for newborns with abnormal development hip joints;
• You can’t sleep lying on your back if you have muscle hypertonicity (in this case, tight swaddling is indicated) and severe colic;
• The child's head should not exceed the position of the body.

To form a healthy spine, it is better to place the baby on a perfectly flat, hard horizontal surface with the head and body fixed at the same level.

Your intuition and love for your baby will tell you how to put your baby to sleep and what sleeping position will be most comfortable.

How to put your baby to sleep correctly?

Parents adapt to the baby’s biorhythms and behavior and choose the most convenient way putting the baby to bed. Numerous options to help falling asleep quickly newborn, come down to three main ones:

1. motion sickness;
2. co-sleeping;
3. falling asleep on your own.

Let's look at how to quickly put a child to sleep using these methods.

Motion sickness

Motion sickness is a natural need for a baby. It helps you fall asleep quickly and develops vestibular apparatus and trains coordination in space. Psychologists recommend rocking in your arms (especially in the first three months), which helps you feel the warmth of your mother’s hands and protection from the still unfamiliar world, and is considered a guarantee of the development of a calm, balanced personality.

Smooth rocking in the crib is allowed, accompanied by light, pleasant music. Whether or not to rock your baby is up to you individually.

Co-sleeping

Co-sleeping is indispensable and convenient during breastfeeding for both mother and baby. In the first months of life, it contributes to:

• formation of a balanced psyche;
• trouble-free operation of the baby’s respiratory system;
• increased lactation;
• establishing common biorhythms for mother and child, eliminating confusion between day and night.

There are also numerous arguments against:

• high probability of crushing the baby;
• unhygienic;
• difficulty in falling asleep on your own.

The decision of whether or not to place the baby with the mother depends solely on the decision of the parents and the needs of the child.

Falling asleep on your own

Modern parents often practice this, putting a lot of effort into it.

The main requirement in this case: daily repetition of the same procedures and adherence to the regime. The baby will get used to the fact that after an evening bath, a warm, tasty treat from the breast or bottle will be waiting for him, and then he will be put to bed and fall asleep. The result will not be long in coming; if you firmly and persistently repeat the same actions day after day, the child will fall asleep instantly.

Maintaining order and uniformity in the first year of life is the key to successful upbringing. Be patient, clearly decide what is comfortable for you and stick to these positions for some time. Positive result secured.

Falling asleep rituals

A newborn's ability to fall asleep quickly is facilitated by following the so-called “rituals” of falling asleep. Here are the basic rules, the effectiveness of which has been practically proven:

• well ventilated area;
• a calm environment without distractions;
• performing hygiene procedures (bathing, massage);
• adherence to daily routine;
• feeding;
• singing lullabies;
• reading fairy tales or relaxing calm music;
• tactile touches (stroking, light tapping);
• favorite toy.

How to properly put a child to sleep is primarily up to parents to decide. The main thing, when trying to adhere to the regime and develop bedtime rules, is not to forget about the characteristics of your baby. The process of falling asleep should be positive and joyful. The task of parents is to form useful and good habits, promoting good health and the proper development of your beloved child.

Daytime sleep rules

Putting your baby to sleep during the day is not difficult if the child is healthy and nothing bothers him. Young mothers try to adhere to the following rules:

• calm atmosphere and comfort of the room, absence of external stimuli, creation of twilight;
• long active activities with the baby (games, exercises on a special developmental mat, riding on a swing);
• adherence to the regime and going to bed at the same time every day;
• breastfeeding or bottle feeding;
• singing lullabies and playing relaxing music;
• regular walks in the fresh air.

Rules for falling asleep at night

How to put a newborn baby to sleep at night? To ensure a long and restful night's sleep for both parents and baby, use these simple tips:

• relaxing and cozy environment;
• ventilation at night;
• fresh air with optimal temperature and humidity in the room;
• water treatments with the addition of soothing herbal infusions;
• mandatory feeding;
• clean clothes;
  if necessary, tight swaddling;
• adding anti-colic drops to milk or a mixture (espumisan, bobotik, sub-simplex and others);
• rocking to a lullaby or children's music.

Experts recommend reducing nap time to increase nighttime sleep. However, 80% of newborns require night feeding, which decreases by the age of one year. Putting a baby to sleep should be based on the individual developmental characteristics of the baby and the regime established by adults.

Remember that a child is the key to family comfort, coziness and tranquility. By skillfully using the recommendations of specialists, experienced parents and developing your own tricks for putting your baby to bed, your family will be happy and calm.

How to lose weight after childbirth?

How to lose weight after childbirth?

Many women after childbirth face the problem of appearance excess weight. For some, it appears during pregnancy, for others, after childbirth.

• And now you can no longer afford to wear open swimsuits and short shorts...
• You begin to forget those moments when men complimented your flawless figure...
• Every time you approach the mirror, it seems to you that the old days will never return...

Sleep is very important for a child, since a sleeping baby has a lot of fluid flowing through his body. important processes: growth hormone is produced, everything that happened during the waking period is analyzed and processed. In infants, growth and development occurs mainly during rest.

In order for the newborn to rest better, the mother bathes him in the bath with the addition of herbal infusions, turns on soothing music and gently strokes him. An important role for quality sleep and proper development of the baby is played by the position in which you put him to sleep.

Sleeping positions and their effect on babies

The position in which you put your baby to sleep can affect his development and health. That is why it is important to choose a position that will be safe and comfortable for the baby.

Sleeping on your stomach

• This position allows the baby to feel a sense of security and comfort;
• it is noted that children sleep much more peacefully on their stomachs;
• the prone position strengthens the muscles of the back, shoulders and neck, which are necessary for developing the skills of turning over and crawling;
• when a child pulls his legs to his stomach while lying on his stomach, lower limbs rise slightly, and thus improves blood supply to the brain;
• the separated legs are in a physiological position, thus reducing the risk of pelvic joint dysplasia;
• in a position on the stomach they decrease, the baby will not freeze;
• positioning on the stomach stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, the baby will be less bothered by colic;
• It is believed that sleeping on the stomach of a baby can cause SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

However, despite the above advantages, official medicine does not recommend specifically placing the newborn on his stomach. You can read more about sleeping on your stomach. As they grow older, starting from 4-5 months, the baby will choose his own sleeping position.

Sleeping on your side

• Pediatricians prohibit placing newborns directly on their side; only babies older than a month can sleep in this position;
• the side position is recommended for babies prone to excessive regurgitation;
• in a position on their side, children pull their knees towards their stomach, this position promotes the passage of gas and reduces the pain of colic;
• if the baby sleeps on its side, change the side on which the baby is lying after each awakening to prevent other orthopedic problems;
• when a baby sleeps on its side, the load on the pelvic joints increases;
• from a position on its side, the child can uncontrollably roll over onto his tummy, bury his face in a blanket or mattress and suffocate.

Sleeping on your back

• The position on the back is considered the most physiological and is suitable for newborns;
• To prevent the baby from choking when regurgitating, you need to turn his head on its side when laying him down, changing sides after each awakening;
• the baby, lying on his back, is not limited in his movements, he can freely move his arms and legs, turn his head;
• The supine position is recommended by most pediatricians because this position reduces the risk of SIDS;
• a newborn, lying on his back, can wake himself up with the movements of his arms, so it is recommended not to tighten him, leaving his legs free;
• If the baby has a stuffy nose, do not put him to sleep on his back, as it will be difficult for him to breathe; shift it so that the baby is on its side;
• The supine position is not recommended for children with pelvic dysplasia.

How to place your baby correctly?

Pediatricians recommend putting newborns to sleep on their side. Roll up the diaper and place it under the baby's back so that his body is slightly tilted to the side. This position reduces the risk that the baby will choke if he suddenly spits up, and does not incur heavy load on the baby's hip joints. This position seems to combine the positive aspects of sleeping on the side and on the back, and does not allow negative consequences to develop.

Instead of rolled diapers, you can use special positioners that will fix the baby in the required position.

Be sure to alternate the sides on which you place your newborn to sleep to prevent the development of torticollis. If you're worried about getting confused, you can "mark" the sides of the crib with a towel or hanging toy, repositioning them as you change baby's position.

When your baby is one month old, you can try placing him on his side. This position reduces the pain of colic and improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Once your baby learns, he will likely start sleeping on his tummy.

1. Do not put the baby to sleep in the crib immediately after feeding; carry him in your arms for a while so that he burps. This way, the baby’s sleep will become safe and calm, since the baby will not be disturbed by gas and colic.
2. Don't swaddle your baby too tightly. Some mothers buy zippered sleeping bags for their newborn, which allow the baby to move freely while he sleeps. At the same time, he does not have the opportunity to touch his face with his hands when throwing himself up. In addition, in such an envelope the baby is guaranteed not to open up when he sleeps, which means you don’t have to worry that the baby will freeze in his sleep.
3. When you cover a sleeping baby with a blanket, make sure that it is no higher than chest level and covers his legs. To be safe, you can tuck a blanket under the mattress.

The first months of a baby's life are associated with risk. A young mother who has never had to take care of a child before goes to bed with fear, fearing that the baby will suffocate in his sleep or choke on the liquid that he regurgitates. A few practical tips will help you arrange sleeping area baby, create an optimal microclimate and provide him with sound, healthy sleep.

In the morning and evening, ventilate the room where the child sleeps. When ventilating, wrap the baby well or move it to another room for a while. Control the temperature, it should fluctuate between 18-22 degrees, optimally 20-21. Check air humidity. If a child breathes dry air, he will soon begin to cough, as the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and larynx dries out. It is recommended to buy a humidifier. If this is not possible, then resort to an alternative. Brew chamomile, linden or string, or better yet, take saline solution at the pharmacy. Moisten a diaper or piece of gauze with the prepared mixture and hang it on the radiators if it is winter outside. In summer and spring, hang gauze or a diaper near the crib or cradle. Evaporation of saline solution or herbal decoction will promote soft breathing and have a beneficial effect on general condition child. After all, he will breathe not dusty dry air, but natural herbal or salt extract. In addition, these concentrates act as antimicrobial substances. Don't swaddle your baby, give him space and the opportunity to move. Let the spine and limbs form naturally and not atrophy. The child should sleep on a hard, flat surface. If the baby sleeps with his parents and the mattress is springy, then it should be orthopedic. In a baby crib, it is enough to lay a simple mattress with ecological filling. Remove the pillow from the crib and give up this idea. The fragile, immature spine will become deformed and twisted in this position. It is better if the child gets used to sleeping without a pillow.

When the baby is sleeping, avoid bright lighting and sharp sounds. At the same time, do not try to walk on tiptoe and speak in a whisper. If a child gets used to ideal silence, then it will be very difficult for him to get enough sleep, and you will suffer from constant whims at the slightest creak. Walk, talk normally, listen to music, watch TV (but don’t let the screen shine on the child if he sleeps in the same room as his parents). Do not take these recommendations as liberties, the advice is intended for a prudent person, and the noise should not be regular, powerful or deliberate.

For several months after birth, it is recommended to use two positions for short and long sleep: lying on your back and side. If you place your baby on his back, be sure to turn his head to the side. This precaution is necessary for the flow of saliva and milk mass that babies regurgitate after feeding. If you put her to sleep on her side, then just make sure that nothing bothers the baby. Place a blanket under the back and let the baby lean on it. Regularly change your sleeping position and turn your head from one side to the other. At 3 months you can already put your baby to sleep on his tummy, this will significantly reduce colic. Monitor your baby's sleep periodically.

To prevent your baby from suffering from colic, after feeding, hold it for 10-15 minutes. vertical position, holding him close and placing his head on his shoulder. After belching or regurgitation, you can go to bed.

A newborn's sleep lasts up to 20 hours a day, plus or minus 2 hours. It is in sleep that the baby grows, gains strength, and his brain processes the information received. For proper rest, it is important to position the baby correctly and create comfortable conditions in the baby’s room. It is also important in what position the baby sleeps. How should a newborn sleep?

Conditions for good sleep

The famous pediatrician Evgeniy Olegovich Komarovsky describes in his books how to put a newborn to sleep and what the conditions in the room should be:

• The room temperature is not higher than 22 degrees, but not lower than 18.
• The room should be well ventilated before going to bed, and in warm weather leave the window open. The main thing is not to place the baby in a draft and dress according to the temperature.
• The optimal humidity in the nursery is 60%.
• As for clothes, the mother will have to choose between diapers and vests; it is not advisable to use them together. Komarovsky advises focusing on the time of year. A “summer” baby can sleep in a light cotton vest, and a “winter” baby can sleep in a diaper. As for the cap, if the room temperature is above 18 degrees, it is not required at all.
• The quality of the mattress is important. It should be moderately rigid and not bend under the weight of the child.
• It is advisable to close the curtains in the room while sleeping. Do not allow the sun to hit the child's eyes.

One more question: where should the baby sleep? Our mothers were given no choice - the child had to sleep in his own crib. Now parents are given the right to choose. If the baby sleeps peacefully in the crib, wakes up only to eat and falls back asleep - you are lucky, this is the best option for the child and his parents.

More often than not, it happens that a mother, after feeding her newborn, does not have time to get to her bed, but the child is already crying and it is difficult to put him down again. In this case, it’s worth trying co-sleeping if dad doesn’t mind making room. You shouldn’t be afraid that the mother will crush the baby in her sleep - her instincts won’t allow it. Mommy's dream is very sensitive.

In the parents' bed, even restless children sleep well and give parents the opportunity to rest. From time to time you should repeat putting the baby in his crib, and when sleep becomes stronger and more peaceful, return to sleeping separately. As a middle option, you can try removing the front side of the crib at night and moving the baby closer to the bed at night. parent's bed.

What will help a newborn sleep?

Most babies in the first month of life fall asleep immediately after eating or begin to doze while sucking. If the baby is capricious and does not sleep, he needs to be reassured - maybe something hurts, something frightened the baby, there are a lot of impressions.

The best way to put a baby to sleep is to rock him to sleep, it’s best to rock him in your arms or just walk around the room with him. If the baby is too heavy for the mother, you should use a stroller or cradle. Mom can rock while sitting and keep the baby on her lap on a pillow. Most often, putting a month-old baby to bed does not cause problems if he is healthy.

Motion sickness is the most traditional and effective way Help your child sleep peacefully. After falling asleep, you can immediately transfer him to his crib.

Acceptable sleeping positions

The natural position of a baby in sleep is the “frog” pose: lying on the back, with the arms slightly bent at the elbows, the legs at the knees and spread apart, and the head turned to the side. You can also lay the baby on its side or stomach. So how to lay down a newborn? Let's consider the benefits and harms of each pose.

On the back

The “on the back” position is the most acceptable and safest for a newborn. At the same time, the baby’s head is turned to the side, thanks to this the baby will not choke if he burps in his sleep. Many parents constantly place their baby only in this position. Be sure to alternate the sides in which the head is turned so that torticollis does not develop. If the baby turns to one side more often, you can place a folded diaper or napkin under the “unloved” cheek, then gradually reduce the layers until the head turns completely. If the baby prefers to sleep facing the light, then change the position of the pillow: at the head, then at the feet - so that the baby is turned towards the window every time, but sleeps on different sides. So, the direction of rotation should be changed every time the baby sleeps, day and night!

On your back is not the only and not always suitable position. For example, when increased tone muscles, the baby moves his arms in his sleep and wakes himself up. Sometimes swaddling helps, but many babies do not tolerate restrictions on their freedom and are capricious. Then you should change your sleeping position. Also, if the hip joint develops abnormally (dysplasia), sleeping on the stomach is suitable. If the baby is suffering from colic in the intestines, or the process of passing gas is difficult when lying on its back, then it is worth putting heat on the tummy (an ironed warm diaper or a special heating pad) to alleviate the condition or change the position to a more comfortable one.

Sleeping on the back is not always the healthiest - sometimes it makes sense to turn the baby onto his tummy or side to solve some problems. physiological problems(abdominal pain, hypertension, dysplasia)

On the stomach

• learns to raise and hold his head;
• develops back muscles;
• sees the world from a different perspective;
• develops the ability to navigate in space.

In addition, in this position, intestinal gases are best released, which alleviates the condition of colic. It is possible for a baby to sleep on his stomach, but under constant supervision. The fact is that the baby can bury his face in the pillow and suffocate. That is, there is a risk of SIDS - sudden infant death syndrome. The softer the surface under the baby, the higher the risk, so it is not recommended for babies under 1 year of age to sleep on pillows - place a folded diaper under their head.

If your baby sleeps on his stomach, there are several safety rules to follow:

• lay only on a flat, smooth surface of sufficient rigidity;
• Do not leave foreign objects (toys, pillows, clothes) near the baby;
• to control breathing, the child must be in the field of view of the mother or another adult;

You also need to alternate sides on which you place your head in the “on your stomach” position. If you cannot monitor your child during sleep, it is better to choose a less dangerous position.

On the side

This position is quite safe for newborns, but the possibility of turning onto the stomach should be excluded. To do this, the child is placed with a cushion of blanket or towel under his back. Lying on his side, the baby presses his legs towards his stomach, which helps the gases to pass away. The baby's hands are in front of his face and he can scratch himself: to avoid this, you need to wear shirts with closed handles or special non-scratch mittens. This kind of sleep is indispensable for babies who often spit up.

It should be taken into account that in the “sideways” position, the pelvic bones are increased load. This position is contraindicated for infants in the first three months of life and for those with hip dysplasia.

It is impossible to say in what position it is correct to put the baby to sleep, because all children are different. Use 2 or 3 options, alternating them, then it will become clear how the baby sleeps sweeter.

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Calm, healthy, deep and sweet sleep of a newborn baby, among other factors, also depends on the position in which the baby sleeps. Until he can't roll over on his own, mom or dad puts him in the sleeping position. After birth, the baby gets used to the new environment, regains strength and learns about the world. At first, the baby sleeps a lot. While in the arms of Morpheus, the baby grows, develops, analyzes and remembers what he sees and hears. Moreover, in phase deep sleep The baby produces growth hormone. In order for the baby to sleep well, the mother bathes him in herbal decoctions, gives him a massage, breastfeeds him before bed and sings a lullaby. However, it turns out that sleeping position plays an important role.

Sleeping on your tummy

There is evidence that sleeping on your stomach can cause SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). However, scientists were unable to match these data evidence base and they were not confirmed by anything. At the same time, the baby feels safe in the stomach sleeping position. He feels comfortable and sleeps more peacefully. While sleeping on your stomach, the muscles of your back, neck and shoulder girdle are strengthened. Lying on his stomach, the baby slightly raises the lower part of the body, as a result, blood supply to the brain improves. At the same time, the baby’s legs are in the correct physiological position, they are widely apart, which is the prevention of hip dysplasia. By cuddling his body to a warm crib, the baby loses less heat, so he does not freeze. In addition, the gastrointestinal tract works more actively in the tummy position, milk is absorbed better, and colic bothers you less. It is worth placing the baby on his tummy at least during the daytime nap.

Sleeping on your back

While sleeping on his back, the baby can freely move his arms and legs and turn his head. However, the movements of newborns are still abrupt and uncoordinated, so babies often wake themselves up with their hands and scratch their faces. Trim your baby's nails promptly. You can also wrap the arms loosely in a diaper at night and leave the legs free. Imitating a gentle hug will improve your baby's sleep. You should not place your baby on his back if he has a stuffy nose. This will make it more difficult for the baby to breathe, because the swollen nasopharynx partially blocks the throat.

Sleeping on your side

The side position is the most common position for babies who spit up frequently. Place a folded terry towel, blanket or special bolster pillow under the baby's back. Then he won't roll onto his back. Just change the position of the child, each time putting him to sleep on the other side.

Sleeping in the fetal position

For some time after birth, the baby will try to take the position in which he spent the previous few months: he pulls his legs up to his tummy and presses his arms to his chin. But at the end of the month, the baby should already move away from this position. If this does not happen, you should visit a pediatrician and rule out muscle hypertonicity in the child.

Conditions for sweet sleep

1. Don't swaddle your baby. When the baby is tightly wrapped in fabric, he ceases to feel his legs and arms, begins to cry and get nervous. The child’s blood circulation deteriorates and there is a risk of hypothermia. It is better to wear loose cotton overalls on your baby, and instead of a blanket, use an envelope with a zipper or a sleeping bag that fastens on the hanger and expands towards the bottom. This way the baby will be able to move freely and will not open up at night.

2. The baby does not need a pillow; you should not put rolled up diapers under your head. It is better to slightly raise the crib or mattress from the side of the head, placing a small board under the legs.

3. If possible, do not put your baby to bed immediately after eating. Give him the opportunity to burp, carry him in your arms in a column. So, colic will not disturb the baby at night, and he will sleep more peacefully.

Hello, dear readers, Lena Zhabinskaya is with you today! The question of how a newborn baby should sleep has divided mothers into two warring camps. Moreover, judging by the comments on popular articles and forums, the struggle for an idea is life and death.

The cornerstone in this struggle is the question of whether it is permissible for a newborn to sleep together with his mother, or is it better to immediately teach the baby to sleep in a separate crib.

Meanwhile, there are certain points regarding children's sleep in which representatives of warring opinions agree. There are also cases in which the baby should not sleep with his parents in order to avoid getting serious problems with health. We'll talk about all this in detail below.

Where should a newborn sleep? Most pediatricians recommend a separate sleeping area for the child for the following reasons.

The advantages of having a newborn sleep in a separate crib:

1. It is safe and there is no risk that the child will be crushed by adults.
2. It’s hygienic: there is clean bed linen in the baby’s crib.
3. The baby immediately gets used to independence and personal space.
4. There is no third wheel between adults in bed, which ensures the possibility of regular intimacy between mom and dad.

Sounds good, right? Therefore, focusing on theory, for the birth of the baby, I also purchased a beautiful crib with soft sides, Italian bed linen, a carousel and other bells and whistles.

However, this whole theory in my case was shattered by practice: my firstborn did not sleep well in his crib, and I also had to make a lot of unnecessary movements at night: get up, pick it up, feed him, put him back if he woke up, feed him again, lull him to sleep, put him down again, come back in bed.

But the baby slept terribly restlessly, he woke up every thirty minutes. We tried everything: a heating pad in the crib, swaddling (according to some reports, this helps the child not wake himself up with his hands), gymnastics, bathing in a large bath, airing before bed - nothing helped.

As a result of chronic lack of sleep, I began to wake up in the morning in my bed with my peacefully sleeping baby. At the same time, sometimes I didn’t remember at all how I took him at night and fed him. So Leva moved into our bed, but began to more or less sleep at night, waking up a couple of times a night to feed his breast and immediately fall asleep.

I have studied a lot of information on this topic. The fact that a newborn sleeps much better next to his mother is even scientific explanation. It's all about natural instincts. A newborn is not able to survive alone, so nature has endowed him with the instinct to be able to cry for help when he feels that he is alone.

Thus, choosing between the theoretical advantages of the fact that the child will grow up to be an independent person in his own crib and the basic need to sleep and not rock anyone to sleep at night, I chose the second.

Sleeping together with a baby did not stop my husband and I from making him a sister - this is related to the question of whether the baby in the parent’s bed is interfering with something. There would be a desire, and imagination will tell you how to realize it.

Pros of co-sleeping with your baby:

Rules for sleeping with a newborn:

1. The baby should lie against the wall, between the parents, and be securely covered with a blanket, pillows, etc., to prevent any possibility of falling to the floor.
2. Mom and dad must be of sound mind and sober memory: it is unacceptable to sleep with a baby in a state alcohol intoxication or any other altered consciousness - in this case the risk of crushing the baby increases many times over. Moreover, such a probability in common sense tends to zero and is practically excluded by natural instinct.
3. Lay a clean diaper under the baby for hygienic reasons and ease of feeding so that droplets of milk fall on it, because it is easier to wash than sheets.

Many parents fear that if they let a newborn into their bed, he will then sleep with them almost until school. This is wrong. At about the age of 1.5 - 2 years, you can already begin to negotiate something with your child.

The moment of moving into your crib needs to be planned, timed to coincide with something. For example, we specially bought a bigger bed for our eldest son, laid out elegant new bed linen with cars, and explained that this is now his beautiful new crib. It took literally a couple of days, and he began to sleep separately, calmly, but consistently.

If you decide that your child will sleep in his crib, be sure to check on what surface he will do this, namely, that it has a safe, high-quality mattress that will not cause harm to the baby. I wrote about what mattress a newborn should sleep on.

Also read carefully to make sure your crib does not contain typical baby hazards.

How

In what position should a newborn sleep? Pediatricians are unanimous: on the back.

It is impossible to specifically place a baby on his stomach to sleep due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The essence of this syndrome is that physically healthy child dies in his sleep due to respiratory arrest.

Scientific explanation for this terrible syndrome No. But statistics show that most often this happens when sleeping on the stomach at the age of 1.5 - 3 months in boys.

If a baby turns over on his tummy or on his side in his sleep, and the mattress on which he lies is quite hard, the room is cool and humid (more on this below), there is no pillow - there is no problem, in what positions the little one sleeps - let him do it the way it suits him.

If your baby prefers to rest on his side or stomach, it is advisable to keep track of which side he does this on and try to change them from time to time.

The use of any pillows for children under two years of age is unacceptable, firstly, because big size head in relation to the rest of the body and the lack of need for a pillow, secondly, due to the risk of suffocation when turning over on the tummy.

Modern pediatrics does not support tight swaddling of infants, since this constrains and impedes the baby’s natural movements and thereby impedes his development. In addition, a baby who is tightly swaddled in several diapers runs the risk of breaking his neck when trying to roll over.

Conditions for comfortable sleep

The optimal air temperature in the room in which the child sleeps is 18-20 degrees. The required air humidity is 50-70 percent (provided using an ultrasonic humidifier and controlled using a hygrometer).

Before going to bed, the room should be thoroughly ventilated and, if necessary, wet cleaned.

It is advisable to minimize in advance all possible dust accumulators: carpets, mountains of soft toys. Wash the curtains, upholstered furniture vacuum.

Little Eva has been sleeping with me since the maternity hospital - she refused to sleep separately there, and it didn’t take long to persuade me. The crib is still empty and only there for decoration. But now I’m already sure that I’m doing everything right, so I just enjoy sleeping with her, which is what I wish for you, regardless of which option you prefer, the main thing is to love your babies, the fact that we have them is a great happiness!

Happy Lena Zhabinskaya was with you, bye-bye!