How do you put Your Baby to Sleep Safely?

We notice that there are still many questions regarding veilig slapen for babies. The advice has changed significantly across different generations. We, at Milk Bar, naturally consider safety our top priority, so here is a brief explanation of the current guidelines regarding safe sleeping.

1. I lay my baby on their back

On the sleeping on the back is safest for your baby. If your baby cannot yet roll over by themselves, sleeping on the side or stomach is dangerous. Even with a ventilated mattress, sleeping on the back is the safest.

As soon as your baby can easily roll from tummy to back, tummy sleeping is okay.

2. My baby sleeps in his own bed or cradle

Although it is tempting to take your baby into your bed during a difficult night, this is not safe.

There are several dangerous situations possible if your baby sleeps in bed with you: he/she can get trapped, he/she can overheat due to the down comforter, you can roll onto him, he/she can roll face-first into the pillow and therefore have difficulty breathing properly.

Het mattress for the crib or bassinet must be firm, fit well (no space between the mattress and the crib).

It is, however, recommended to let your baby sleep in a crib or bassinet next to your bed for the first 6 months.

3. Sleeping in a sleeping bag

Een sleeping bag is everything your baby needs to sleep safely and well. Your baby's head cannot get under the bedding this way.

Een in-baby-sleeping-bag is a good idea as long as your baby cannot roll over yet, after that a regular sleeping bag is recommended. These are available for every season. The TOG value of the sleeping bag indicates how warm the sleeping bag is (the higher the value, the warmer).

A sleeping bag has even more advantages: Your baby cannot end up uncovered, and they cannot climb out of bed as easily.

Babies who are used to sleeping in a sleeping bag often quickly know that it's bedtime when you put on the sleeping bag. After some fussing, they calm down.

4. My baby sleeps in an empty crib

No pillow, no cuddles, no blankets, no baby nests, nor bed bumpers. Een klein comfort blanket is fine.

5. Safety above all: a few more tips

• Do not smoke in the room or near your baby.
• Ventilate the baby's room every day.
• Do not place the crib next to the heater.
• Be careful with medication if you are breastfeeding.
• One pacifier is a good idea: babies are less likely to lie with their nose and mouth on the mattress, the sucking keeps the airways clear. Gradually wean off the pacifier from 10 months.

Info: guidelines regarding safe sleeping and sudden infant death syndrome safety NL, Child and Family Belgium