Safe Sleep Aids for Babies

Much like adults, babies have quirks when it comes to sleeping. One baby will suck his thumb to help him sleep, while another will only need her blanket. Some babies sleep very well without the need of assistance, but others require all the help they can get. Prescribing sleep medication for babies doesn't address the cause of the sleep problem, according to Dr. Richard Ferber. Experts recommend other, natural sleep remedies.

Position

A baby should be placed on her back for sleep, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Babies with a medical condition may require a different sleeping position. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, infants suffering from symptomatic gastro-esophageal reflux should lay on their backs. Babies with airway malformations aren't as hindered as the aforementioned infants when laying on their stomach. It is important to consult a pediatrician before you decide which position to put your baby in if she has a condition.

Regularity

You can help your baby by providing a regular sleeping schedule and routine, according to Baby Center. This is best for babies between three and 12 months old. Though the baby will often wake up at irregular hours and require feeding, you can keep him on a routine as much as possible by burping him before bed every night. You can also help him sleep by blocking off lights and a creating a quiet room . He may require a night light.

 

Swaddling

According Baby Center, many infants younger than three months feel most comfortable when they are swaddled, which means they are somewhat tightly wrapped in their blanket with their arms at their sides and the blanket tucked underneath their back and feet. This is intended to mimic the security of being in a womb. Swaddling is particularly effective at getting to sleep a newborn, specifically younger than one month, Baby Center notes. Absorbing many nighttime startle-reflex jolts by swaddling the baby can help reduce the number of times he wakes up.

 

Comfort

The comfort many infants and babies find in thumb sucking is an acceptable way for them to fall asleep. However, according to Family Gentle Dental Care, thumb sucking is blamed by dentists for tooth misalignment. Some babies do grow their teeth as early as a few months old, so you should be aware of your child's tooth development before you allow her to suck her thumb. She might also find comfort in a pacifier, though that can fall out of her mouth at night. Infants and many babies younger than one year won't be able to put it back in their mouth.

References

• Family Gentle Dental Care: Thumb Sucking [http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/thumbsucking.htm]
• Baby Center: Sleep Aids for Babies [http://www.babycenter.com/0_sleep-aids-for-babies_7923.bc?page=1]
• Pediatric Views: Dr. Richard Ferber; June 2006 [http://www.childrenshospital.org/views/june06/sleep.html]
• American Academy of Pediatrics: A Child Care Provider's Guide to Safe Sleep; Safe Sleep Practices [http://www.healthychildcare.org/pdf/SIDSchildcaresafesleep.pdf]
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Are There Any Babies Who Should Be Placed Prone for Sleep? [http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sids/sids_qa.cfm]