Education
Baby and Infant Sleep Resources and Tips: Sleep Safety and Sleeping Schedules
Ensuring your baby gets enough quality sleep is crucial for their development and your sanity as a parent. Here are some essential tips and resources for baby sleep safety and schedules:
Sleep Safety:
- Always place babies on their back to sleep.
- Use a firm, flat sleep surface in a crib or bassinet.
- Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation out of the baby’s sleep area.
- Consider room-sharing but not bed-sharing with infants.
Sleeping Schedules:
Newborns (0-3 months): Sleep 14-17 hours in 24 hours
Infants (4-11 months): Sleep 12-15 hours in 24 hours
Toddlers (1-2 years): Sleep 11-14 hours in 24 hours
Remember, these are general guidelines, and each baby is unique. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to help signal that it’s time to sleep.
Resources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website for up-to-date sleep safety guidelines.
- Books like “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child” by Marc Weissbluth, M.D.
- Sleep training apps that can help track your baby’s sleep patterns.
Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice on your baby’s sleep needs and safety.