Newborn sleeping area considerations

A baby has many different sleeping options, but how can parents make a decision about the best option for their new baby?

Over the years, I have visited many families who were facing a variety of challenges after the birth of their baby. From these, I’ve compiled a few ideas worth thinking about before making a decision on your baby’s sleeping area:

1. Do you want them in your bedroom with you? If so, what size bassinet or basket will fit comfortably in your bedroom?

2. How will you teach your child to sleep in a quiet bed after he has learned to sleep swinging in a hammock?

3.You already have a crib, but it seems too big for a newborn. Consider placing a ‘Snuggle Bed’ inside the cot/crib until they are older.

4. You love the idea of ​​your baby sleeping in the parent’s bed with you, but this is not recommended if either parent is obese, smokes, or uses drugs.

5. The baby’s room is too far from yours and you are afraid of not hearing the baby cry. Consider using a baby monitor or moving your bassinet/basket closer to your room temporarily.

6. Is the baby’s room going to be cold because it gets little sun and they are going to be born in winter? Consider another room for the first 3 months.

7. Is your sleeping area lit during the day from light curtains and direct sunlight? Babies will sleep better after 6 weeks if the lighting is dim.

8. If the nursery room is upstairs but you will be downstairs most of the day, consider setting up two sleeping areas (one upstairs and one downstairs) for the first 3 months. The downstairs option could be a port-a-cot or a pram/stroller.

9. You have animals and other children who will open the door and wake them up. Consider a door at the entrance or a latch at the top to ensure the door closes.

10. Often a father may be away a lot for work and the mother brings the baby to her bed to sleep. When the father returns home, privacy is minimal as the baby will no longer sleep in her crib. Consider the sleep associations with which your baby is learning to go to sleep.

Parents are always learning about parenting issues. By considering these challenges some parents have had, it may help you establish good early sleep patterns for your baby.