Babies spend a lot of time sleeping and should do so in a suitable place: a crib or a child bed . Although many babies may fall asleep in the in strollers, baby rockers or similar places, these are not the right places to lay a baby down to sleep. During the first year of life, or at least up to 6 months, it is advised that babies sleep in their parents room, next to their bed, but always in their own crib or bed. The safe position to lay the baby The safe position to lay a baby down is on their back, also called face up or supine position . This is the position that contributes to the safety of the baby and that also allows him, at the appropriate times and ages, to: Observe what is happening around him; Have greater diversity of movements; Interact with other people present. Always avoid putting the baby to sleep: Sideways (lateral decubitus), as the baby can roll over and face down; On his stomach (prone position), because it increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Other important precautions Keep the head side of the crib higher . The crib size must be as adapted as possible to the size of the baby and the clothes must be placed in such a way that the child is only covered up to the shoulders . In the case of a larger crib, it is important to create a space restriction in which the baby moves, such as a "nest" or a roll made with a blanket or sheet. Never cover the baby head , or place pillows, sheets or diapers next to the baby head. Do not leave toys in the crib . The use of pacifier ribbons is not recommended , as well as necklaces or other accessories, due to the risk of strangulation they may have. After the baby eats and before putting him to bed, make him “burp” , that is, keep him in your arms, upright, so that he releases the air that he eventually had swallowed while breastfeeding. That way, it will be less likely that the baby bloats when lying down. All these precautions are especially important for babies who are not yet able to move independently and who, therefore, are unable to change from a position that is unfavorable to their comfort. Text produced by the maternal health nursing team at Hospital da Luz Lisboa. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
