Baby crib and Baby's sleep. Do's & Don'ts

Babies spend a lot of time sleeping so it is essential to provide them with a safe sleeping environment.

I used two different cribs and the first one was a small bedside crib (100cm x 50cm) that could attach to our bed. This type of crib is minimizing the risks associated with sharing a bed, it is convenient for breastfeeding and the size is ideal for giving the womb feeling to the baby. After the first four months, we moved our baby to a bigger crib (60 to 120cm) made of natural wood, with a non-toxic finish and used it till my son was 18 months. By the age of 18 months, he was sleeping in his first big Montessori bed in his room.

Here is what to consider when buying your baby a crib:

What are the ''Do's''

Non-toxic finish

It is important to choose a crib with a non-toxic finish because rail teething is common and normal among babies.

No dropping sides, no sharp edges, and crib slats

The distance between slats must be no more 6 than centimeters to protect infants from falling out and toddlers from trapping their heads between the slats.

Firm mattress

It gives better support to babies and their soft bones and will be more comfortable for them.

Tightly fitted sheets

The elastic should be tight but not coming off the bottom edge of the mattress.

Light & breathable materials for bedding

Overheated babies have trouble getting to sleep. Breathable materials can keep babies cool for a good night's sleep.

Check safety standards (CPSC, JPMA, ASTM, Greenguard Gold certification)

Both the crib and the bedding should meet today's safety standards.

Swaddling is great for the first weeks of a newborn

Babies feel more secure which helps them self-soothe at the night.

What are the ''Don'ts''

- Blanket

- Pillow

- Stuffed animals

- Baby bumpers

They all present suffocating hazards for babies therefore should not be used before the baby is a year old.

Other baby crib safety guidelines that you might want to consider

- The ideal temperature for sleeping is 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

- Best sleeping position for a baby is placing the baby in the crib on his/her back.

- The best place to sleep, is in the same room with parents but not in the same bed. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should sleep in their parent's room, ideally for their first year, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by as much as 50%. Furthermore can help boost your bond and the baby is comforted by the sounds of your breathing while trying to adjust outside the womb. It's also a great way to enhance the parent-child relationship.

- If you are using a baby monitor, make sure that the cord is not close to the crib as the baby can strangle or choke.

- The crib should be away from curtains/windows as the baby can pull them down when he gets a bit older.

- Bibs or necklaces should be removed from the baby's neck before sleeping time.

- Keep a smoke-free home for your baby.

- Over clothing a baby while sleeping can overheat it.

And now it's time for baby shopping! Enjoy!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, and see you soon!

All the best,

Clio