The first year of life is an amazing time for a baby and for his parents. In 12 short months, a baby develops from a helpless newborn to an inquisitive toddler. Yet many new parents feel overwhelmed and unsure of themselves, especially when it comes to sleep. But it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
The first step to ensure healthy sleep is to create a safe sleeping area for your baby. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death for children under age 1, stops a baby’s breathing and hits suddenly during sleep. While there is no way to entirely prevent SIDS, parents can reduce the risk.
“The No. 1 thing you can do is place your baby on his back to sleep,” says Karin Gooch, M.D., pediatrician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in San Mateo. “There should also be nothing in the crib – no blankets, no stuffed animals, no pillows. Babies should wear their warmth through sleeper outfits.”
Follow these simple tips to ensure safe sleep for your baby.
