One of the most integral part about setting the stage for the best sleep for your baby or child is having the most ideal sleep environment possible.
As you start to set up your baby’s nursery or child’s bedroom, keep these simple tips in mind to create the ideal sleep space for your child.
Safety First!
It is imperative that you make sure that your child’s bedroom is safe.
Make sure the bed or crib is in good condition and assembled properly. In your baby’s crib avoid the use of bumper pads, blankets and pillows, as they can be a suffocation risk and increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Make sure the mattress fits the bed or crib properly and there are no gaps between the mattress and the rails.
The mattress should be firm and the sheet should fit snugly, again to prevent suffocation.
Pitch black room
We suggest the room be so dark that you cannot see your hands in front of your face.
When the brain detects darkness it releases a hormone called melatonin, which is the natural hormone your brain makes to lull you to sleep. When the body produces melatonin, it helps your child become drowsy and ready for sleep. If you have an extra sensitive child, even the tiniest bit of light can decrease melatonin production and make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Invest in some room darkening shades or blinds to keep out any light. We have used garbage bags and Bristol board
too! It doesn’t have to cost much money, or be pretty. It will help your child (and you) get more rest.
Keep it cool
Your child’s bedroom should be cool, not cold, and not hot. We recommend between 19-21 degrees Celsius.
To keep your child warm, sleep sacks are a great alternative to blankets for those babies under the age of 1.
Sleep sacs are more safe than blankets, which we do not suggest until a child is out of the crib. Sleep sacs may also help prevent children from climbing out of their cribs. Putting your child in their sleep sack can also become part of their bedtime routine, signaling to them that it’s time to sleep.
No toys
Sleep time is not play time!
We reserve the crib for sleep only, and recommend no toys, mobiles or other stimulating toys. In addition, toys can pose a risk of suffocation or SIDS. Remove all distractions from the crib so that baby can concentrate on sleeping.
Are you hoping to establish healthy sleep for the whole family? Check out our sleep course!.
