Newborn Care: SIDS and Baby Sleep Safety

Not getting enough sleep is one of the toughest things about having a newborn. Babies have small stomachs, and they need to eat every few hours. Babies sleep longer during the day and are more alert at night. Your baby will probably sleep around 2 to 3 hours at a time. 

Here are some ways to help your baby sleep safely, and reduce the risk of SIDS -Sudden Infant Death Syndrome:

- Always place your baby on the back to sleep.

- Keep soft materials, such as pillows or stuffed toys, out of your baby’s bed.

- Baby should sleep in the same room with you, but in a safe bassinet or crib.

- Be sure baby is warm, but not overly bundled.

You will likely be pretty tired during the first few days and weeks. Remember that lack of sleep is only temporary. Eventually your baby will sleep through the night.

Erika: I take naps with the baby. Uh, Victor’s probably having a little more hard time because in the middle of the night I make sure after I breastfeed, he needs to burp and change the diaper, but I make sure I get my sleep.