Many mothers are aware of the importance of sleep for their newborns, especially during the first few months of their lives. However, they face various challenges to help their baby sleep due to issues such as colic, bloating, and the accumulation of gas, as their baby's digestive system hasn't yet adapted to digesting milk, especially if the baby is being fed formula.
Mothers often have to place their baby in specific spots due to their lifestyle, leaving the baby asleep for hours without realizing that this can be harmful. They may be hesitant to move the baby to their crib to avoid waking them up.
Dr. Mohamed Abu Dawood, a pediatric and neonatal expert, shared insights on when to wake up your newborn and the risks of prolonged sleep. Here are the key situations:
1. Sleeping in a car seat: Mothers should ensure that their baby is not left sleeping too long in a car seat, especially if the baby is under six months old. The narrow space and angle of the car seat can lead to respiratory issues and potential suffocation. It's advised to check the baby regularly, adjust their sleeping position, or hold them in your arms.
2. Sleeping in a stroller: When using a stroller, especially a handheld one, mothers should monitor the baby closely. It's important to avoid covering their face, regardless of external noise. The baby’s head may lean forward, increasing the risk of suffocation and, in some cases, leading to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If necessary, remove the baby from the stroller and place them somewhere safer to sleep.
3. Sleeping in a rocker or swing: While rockers can help calm babies, they should not be used as a long-term sleeping place. Extended rocking can be harmful, especially to the baby's brain. If using a swing, ensure that the baby’s head is supported and avoid prolonged periods in the swing.
4. Sleeping more than three continuous hours: Newborns should be woken up after sleeping for more than three hours, especially in the first few months. Sleep durations for babies start decreasing as they grow, and they need to be fed regularly to gain weight. If they miss a feed, they can lose weight, become lethargic, and weak. It’s crucial to change their position regularly and wake them up for feeding.
Best Practices for Safe Sleep:
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Avoid sleeping on the stomach: While there are minor benefits, such as strengthening neck muscles, sleeping on the stomach poses serious risks like SIDS and suffocation.
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Safe sleeping positions: Always place the baby on their back to sleep on a firm mattress, free from indentations.
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SIDS and suffocation risks: Babies who sleep on their stomachs are more likely to experience suffocation and re-inhale carbon dioxide.
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Reflux risks: Babies sleeping on their stomachs are also more susceptible to reflux compared to those sleeping on their backs.
Importance of Sleep for Babies Under 6 Months:
Newborns who sleep irregularly or for short periods often experience issues like persistent crying, irritability, and poor weight gain. Adequate sleep allows babies to store energy, build muscle, and gain weight properly.
Mothers should expect that sleep difficulties may worsen during teething, causing the baby to be more irritable and harder to soothe. This can lead to shorter sleep periods, further compounding issues like weight loss and increased stress for both the baby and the mother.
Ensuring safe and consistent sleep practices for newborns is vital for their health, development, and well-being.
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