Sleep – if you have never truly appreciated it before, you will in those early months and years of parenthood. In my experience the desire for a good nights sleep far out weighs that even of a scarce evening out! To facilitate your own good shut eye, you must first concern yourself with the needs of your new born and there is plenty to consider when it comes to their sleeping arrangements. Where will they sleep: in the nursery or in your room? What should they sleep in: a traditional cot, or Moses basket, a versatile hammock, or in bed with you? Then you have to choose a suitable mattress and bedding. Do you go for conventional sheets and blankets or a baby sleeping bag? What are the advantages and safety aspects associated with each option and why is natural fibre bedding considered so beneficial? There has never been so much choice and sadly no product can guarantee an uninterrupted night of sleep. Your priority will be finding the best things for the safety and comfort of your own child. Suffice to say that this will be only the start the challenges surrounding your child’s slumber, but take heart, and read on to gain from the experience of others. You will find also find good advice on safe sleep practises as well as tips to assist in your decision making.
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Natural Fibre Baby Mattresses - A good night…naturallyManaging sleep for babies and young children is one of the most common concerns for new parents especially when it comes to choosing the right mattress. Sleep is the single most important ingredient to a healthy, happy life for both parents and baby! Without sleep, energy levels drop, immune systems crash and tempers flare. We all want to ensure that our children have the best start in life and that means plenty of good sleep in a safe, comfortable and natural environment. |
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Read more... [A Good Night]
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Minimising the Effects of Flat Head |
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In response to recent concerns and publicity about an increase of “flat heads” in infants who sleep on their backs, First Candle/SIDS Alliance provides the following information for your use in addressing this issue.
Also known as “positional plagiocephaly”, experts agree that it is rarely a serious condition and can be avoided if parents make a conscious effort to change the direction the infant’s head faces when they are on their backs. In the vast majority of the cases when a baby develops a flattened head, the problem usually resolves with time (by 6 months to one year of age) as the baby spends more time awake and begins to roll to different positions by themselves. The use of helmets (usually costing in the range of $2,000) or surgery to correct this problemis rarely needed. |
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Read more... [Minimising the Effects of Flat Head]
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Keep an Eye on your Baby's Room Temperature |
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Babies who get too hot are at an increased risk of cot death. They can get too hot because the room is too hot or becasue they have too much bedding or clothing. The ideal room tempearture is 16-20oC. |
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Read more... [Keep an Eye on your Baby's Room Temperature]
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FAQs on Safe Sleep for Babies |
Where should I put my baby’s cot?The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is in a cot in your bedroom. Babies should never sleep next to a radiator, heater or in direct sunlight. Keep an eye on the temperature by buying a simple room thermometer (available for £2.75 from FSID, send your name, address and a cheque to: FSID Sales Artillery House, 11-19 Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RT). Make sure your baby cannot reach cords on curtains or window blinds. |
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Read more... [FAQs on Safe Sleep for Babies]
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