Babies sometimes die unexpectedly in their sleep because they seemed healthy. This is called crib death. In the Netherlands, this still involves 2 babies per month. This is of course the biggest nightmare for every parent. Below are the most important tips and advice for getting your baby to sleep safely. These can also be found on The 4 of Safe Sleep | ChildSafety.nl.
Sleeping on the back
Can your baby not yet turn himself or herself quickly and easily? Then sleeping on its side or stomach is dangerous. If your baby's mouth or nose touches the mattress, it cannot breathe properly. This also applies if you use a "breathable mattress". mattress. Even on these mattresses, the advice is: lay your baby on its back. Is your baby lying on its stomach? Then stay with it.
Sleeping in your own crib or crib
Your baby sleeps safest in their own crib or crib. We know that this is sometimes difficult. For example, if your baby keeps crying and only calms down in your bed. Or if your baby falls asleep in your bed while feeding. But even then, your bed is not a safe place for your baby to sleep. So try to avoid this, especially if your baby is younger than four months.
Here's why it's dangerous for your baby to sleep in bed with you:
- Your baby may get too warm because of your comforter.
- Your baby can get trapped between mattresses.
- Your baby may fall out of bed.
- Your baby may lie face down against a pillow, preventing the baby from breathing properly.
- You may roll over on your baby in your sleep, especially if you are tired or stressed.
Sleeping in a sleeping bag
When your baby starts moving, a baby sleeping bag in bed is safest. This is often within a few weeks of birth. There are sleeping bags for every season. You don't need any other bedding.
The benefits of a baby sleeping bag:
- Your baby's head cannot get under the bedding.
- Young babies in a sleeping bag do not roll to their stomachs as easily.
- Your baby cannot be exposed.
- Your baby has a harder time climbing out of bed.
- When you take your baby out of bed to feed, the sleeping bag stays warm. So you don't have to put your baby back in a cold bed.
Get a sleeping bag that fits properly There are small and large baby sleeping bags for sale. Make sure the holes for the arms and head are not too large so your baby cannot crawl out of the sleeping bag.
Sleeping in empty bed
Keep the crib empty when your baby goes to sleep. That's the safest way to do it. So no big stuffed toys, no baby nest, no side bed pillows or head protectors. If your baby turns, their face may lie against these objects. As a result, your baby cannot breathe properly.
How the PIKO helps
With the PIKO, your baby always has its own sleeping place - possibly even in bed with you. The PIKO combines well with a sleeping bag and the use of pillows and baby nests are not necessary, as the PIKO itself is already a secure sleeping environment.
Developed in collaboration with safety experts, VeiligheidNL recommends the PIKO: Safety at 1 in product development (pikobaby.com).
Still have questions? Then send us a message, you will always get an answer.
Sleep well, Francien (sleep coach and founder PIKO)
