A worry-free pregnancy, is there really such a thing? Is it possible to embark on this new and daunting chapter of life without so much as a niggle of concern? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean you can’t greatly reduce your worrying. If you find yourself lying awake at night worrying about pregnancy, birth and parenting, then you might benefit from son of the following tips:

1. Exercise every day – 30 minutes of light exercise each day can do wonders for your stress levels. Walking, swimming, yoga and pilates are all recommended exercises for pregnancy. As well as reducing stress levels, regular exercise can help you to get a better night’s sleep.
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet – instead of lying awake at night worrying about the soda you drank at lunch, have a water next time. Don’t feel guilty for snacking on junk food – simply replace these snacks with healthy alternatives in the future. Processed foods often have high levels of sugar and salt, and this can affect your moods and general health.
3. Take your vitamins – you’ll save yourself a lot of worry if you take a daily prenatal vitamin. These specially formulated vitamins are filled with the nutrients your developing baby needs. They don’t replace a healthy diet, and you’ll still need to make sure you’re eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, but they are advised for all pregnant women.
4. Relax – it’s really important to add in some relaxation time to your daily routine. If you are busy during the day, rushing around trying to get things finished, it can be hard to switch off at night. Try having a relaxing soak in the bath, or a massage before bed to help you unwind. Meditation and yoga are great for calming down and allowing yourself to fully relax.
5. Be honest with yourself – it’s ok to worry, but be honest with yourself. What are you really worried about? Why are you feeling so worried about it? Could it be caused by deeper emotions? Or could exhaustion be playing a part in it?
6. Stop searching online forums – if you’re worried about the pregnancy, the worst thing you can do is check random internet forums. By all means, search trusted sources online, and educate yourself with the information. But don’t take the information you read on unmoderated forums too seriously.
7. Talk to your partner – your partner may be sharing a lot of your worries and concerns. The best thing to do is to be honest about your feelings, and allow him to do the same. Talk about your worries, and find ways to help each other cope.
8. Talk to some mothers – women have been growing, birthing and looking after babies for generations. Whatever you’re worried about, other mothers have worried about before you. If you have any mum friends you can trust – be it your mum, best friend or a friend from work – talk to them about your concerns. They’ll be able to reassure you with their own experiences.
9. Ask a professional – one of your healthcare provider’s roles is to make sure you are not feeling stressed. Your healthcare provider will be able to offer you advice and support to help you overcome your concerns.

What are you worrying about during pregnancy, and how are you coping with it?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

The exhaustion of the first trimester pretty much guarantees most women a good night’s sleep at the start of the pregnancy. Chances are, you’re falling asleep on the sofa long before the watershed. You may find yourself needing more sleep than ever before. No matter how much sleep you get though, you’re probably still exhausted. From the excessive sleeping of the first trimester, to the rare uninterrupted sleep of the third trimester, sleep during pregnancy is never easy.

How should I sleep?

During the first trimester, you don’t need to worry too much about the position you sleep in. Which is handy, because you’re likely to fall asleep in strange places like on the bus, or hiding in the stationery cupboard at work.

As the baby starts to get bigger, and your uterus expands, you’ll need to start paying attention to how you sleep. Pregnant women are advised to avoid sleeping on their tummy once their bump begins to show. By this stage, sleeping on your front will probably be quite uncomfortable anyway.

Around the same time, you’ll need to avoid sleeping on your back too. Your expanding uterus can restrict blood flow when you lie on your back. The uterus compresses the vein that returns blood to the heart, and this can restrict the amount of nutrients and blood reaching the baby. If you do lie on your back for long periods, you may find yourself feeling nauseous and light-headed.

Your healthcare provider will recommend that you sleep on your left hand side throughout the pregnancy. This position will allow the baby to receive the optimum amount of nutrients through the placenta. Sleeping on your left hand side will improve circulation, so your body won’t have to work quite as hard.

Getting a good night’s sleep

It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy, especially in the last few weeks. You may find yourself needing to use the bathroom throughout the night, and your bump may be preventing you from finding a comfortable position. You may also have a busy mind because of the impending arrival. To try and get a good night’s sleep, you could:

• have a bath to help you relax before bed
• ask your partner for a massage before bed
• drink hot teas (not caffeinated) before bed
• prop yourself up with extra pillows
• sleep with a pillow between your knees
• if you are feeling anxious about anything, speak to your partner about it before you try to sleep

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Bedtime doesn’t need to be a battle. Nighttime routines can help kids transition from the waking world to the quiet night peacefully and easily. But it doesn’t need to be boring. Some of the best-loved family traditions and cherished memories are made when preparing for bed. Here’s how to make your bedtime fun for the whole family.

Create a cozy sleep space:
Allow your toddler some choices in pajamas or sheets and blankets. Having a bedroom they’ve helped plan can give them a sense of ownership and an investment in the sleep area. Would your child do best with a few stuffed animals or a special pillow? These items can be a “security blanket” for your child.

Create a routine:
Kids thrive on structure and routine. If they know what to expect at bedtimes, you’ll have less of a hassle on a day-to-day basis. Your family’s bedtime routine might include:

• Ambience – Turn off the television, dim the lights and play some quiet music. The more calm the setting, the more likely your child is to start winding down.
• Bath – a warm bath – maybe with some soothing scented water or wash – makes a good transition
• Snack – You’ll want to time this right – the best time for a bedtime snack is about an hour before lights out. Avoid any sugary snacks, or those containing caffeine. Carbs will trigger the release of sleep inducing hormones, crackers, whole grain bread, or dairy products. Don’t forget to have your child brush his teeth afterwards!
• Reading – start a tradition of reading to your child every night before bed. When they get older, you may want to have a set number of minutes for independent silent reading before lights out. You can even tuck into bed with your child and read a few pages of your favorite book!
• Final bathroom break – if your child is potty trained (or is in the process), take one last opportunity to got to the bathroom before bed. If your little one is still in diapers, check to see if you need to do one last changing. A comfortable baby is more likely to stay asleep.
• Talking about the day – Don’t be afraid to lay with your child as they are dozing off. Talk about the good and bad things that happened that day, or what they are hoping will happen the next day. Some of the best conversations with your kids will happen laying side by side in a quiet dark room.

No matter what routine you create, make sure it’s calm. This isn’t a time for roughhousing or jumping around.

Avoid bedtime battles by sticking to your routine. When children know what to expect half the battle is won. Be sure your child is getting enough daytime exercise. Sometimes just an afternoon of playing in the sunshine can create an easier sleep time.

Create some fun:
Occasional fun-time bedtime routines as your children get older might include …

• Indoor camping: Throw some sleeping bags on the floor, make a fire in the fireplace or turn on lanterns around the room, and camp out in your living room. Tell campfire stories, sing songs, …
• Family game night: Once everyone has gotten the essentials done (bath, snack, teeth brushed, etc.), choose a game everyone will enjoy. Board games and card games should be short, fun (the 3-hour Monopoly game may not be the best choice), and age-appropriate.
• Family movie time: Choose a movie together, and once everyone is bathed and ready for bed, snuggle on the couch and watch the film together. Dim the lights and share some popcorn.
• Pajama walk: Get everyone in their pajamas, and take a walk around the neighborhood. Your child can expend any excess energy, and arrive home ready for bed. Even a baby in a stroller will usually be ready for sleep after a quick walk, and you’ll sleep better after a little exercise and fresh air.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

You’re snuggling your little one to sleep and look down to see a tiny smile flickering across her face. You love watching her sleep – the calm breathing and soft warm body against yours. When she first falls asleep, you notice her twitching eyes and small body movements – and you wonder what she might be dreaming about, hopeful it’s about the pleasant life you have created for her filled with mother’s love.

Sleep Cycles

Adults move through 5 sleep cycles, starting off in deep sleep and moving into lighter sleep. As the hours pass, adults spend more time in light, REM sleep and less in deep sleep, spending about a quarter of their overall sleep time in the REM stage. And REM sleep (so-called because of the rapid eye movements of this stage) is associated with dreaming.

Infants, on the other hand, sleep differently. They enter sleep in the REM stage for about 20 minutes, and then move into deep sleep. Infant sleep cycles are also much shorter than adult cycles – babies move from REM to deep and back to REM in about an hour whereas adults take about 90 minutes to complete a cycle. This means babies spend a much greater proportion of their sleep time in the REM stage – about 50 to 80 percent of their total sleep.

Brain Growth

Human babies are the most neurologically immature mammals – with brains that are only a portion of their adult brain volume and that take a long time to mature. At birth, your baby has all of the neurons she will ever have, but they still need to form more connections. This interconnectivity is the basis for memory storage, learning, emotions, and more.

By age 3, your baby’s brain is about 80 percent of it’s adult size and has twice as many synapses as an adult brain. During those first 3 years of growth, the rapid brain growth leaves room for pruning – eliminating unused connections – which will take place through adolescence.

What we know from research is that there’s lots of activity going on inside your baby’s growing brain when she’s in the early stages of sleep. Scientists believe babies are processing newly acquired knowledge while they are asleep, making new connections and pathways in their brains. This is linked very closely to language learning for your wee little one.

So, do babies dream?

Our dreams tend to have a storyline based on our past experiences. If we translate this to babies, there is not much they can dream about apart from diaper changes and eating. But every interaction with the world gives your baby new input.

While babies might not be dreaming in the same way we do, their brains are working hard during sleep. Experts say that by age 2 or 3, children’s vivid imaginations can lead to vivid dreaming (and maybe even nightmares). By age 7 or 8, when children develop a stronger sense of self, dreams tend to take on more of the story-like quality we associate with the activity.

Since babies can’t yet tell us, we’re not absolutely certain that they’re not dreaming. Regardless of whether or not your baby is imaging a relaxing breastfeeding session, a nap on dad’s chest, or is simply filing away the sights and sounds of the day, REM sleep is helping your baby’s brain development.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Your pregnancy bump acts like a magnet, attracting unwanted advice from across the land. As soon as you start to show, you will be receiving advice about sleeping, breastfeeding and discipline. It can be tiresome to say the least.

There will be times, however, when you are in need of advice. Perhaps during those first few days, as you struggle to help your baby to latch on for a feed. Or maybe a couple of weeks later, when your baby develops a rash and you don’t know what has caused it. Or maybe a couple of months down the line, when you want a tried and tested method to help your baby with teething pains. So, when you do want parenting advice, where can you get it?

1. Experienced friends – lots of people rely on experienced friends for advice. These friends have been through it all recently, you trust them, and they probably love an opportunity to share their tips and tricks with you. Choose friends whose parenting styles you admire and want to replicate. Remember, just because you’re friends, doesn’t necessarily mean you will agree on everything, so it’s ok to pick and choose which advice you follow.

2. Your parents – some people choose to rely on their own parents or in-laws for advice. This makes sense, after all, you know whether they were good parents or not! You may find that you feel closer to your parents once you become a parent, because you are finally able to truly understand all that they did for you. One thing to be wary of, however, is that their advice may be outdated. Official advice changes over time because of scientific studies and new research coming out, but your parents are unlikely to be aware of this. For example, though parents are now advised to put babies to sleep on their back at the foot of the crib, this wasn’t always the case. Double check any advice that could be outdated, to make sure it is still considered safe.

3. A trusted book – if you’re a bookworm, you might have a whole shelf filled with parenting literature by now. Or, perhaps, you just have the one trusted manual. It’s useful to have a book you can turn to during times of need, and one that can help to shape your overall parenting philosophy. Try to read a variety of books, so that you can pick and choose the advice you find most helpful.

4. Doctor Google – it’s sometimes hard to imagine life before smart phones. How did new parents used to find out whether their baby’s poo was normal, or what to do if their baby projectile vomited? Some new parents search for answers on the internet. There is a wealth of information available, but it may not always be good advice. Be selective about which sites you visit, and whose information you trust.

5. Healthcare professionals – if you are worried that your baby may be ill, of course you should always contact your doctor. However, you may also find healthcare professionals useful in other circumstances too. If your child is having trouble sleeping, is having difficulty latching on, or simply wants to be held all the time, you could ask your healthcare provider for advice. In the UK, you could speak to your health visitor for advice on any issues related to parenting. In the US, you can speak to your pediatrician.

Where do you think you will get your parenting advice from?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Head banging in babies and toddlers is a distressing but surprisingly common behavior. It is thought that as many as one in five children go through a phase of head banging. If you’ve noticed your child banging her head against the side of her crib, you’re likely to be feeling worried about whether something is wrong. It’s not pleasant to watch, but this behavior is considered normal and shouldn’t give you too much cause for concern.

Why does my baby bang her head?

Head banging can be a self soothing behavior for some babies and toddlers, a way to help them unwind at the end of the day. Alternatively, other children may use it to distract from discomforts such as teething or ear infections. The behavior is most commonly seen in boys, and often starts in the second half of the first year. Head banging usually peaks between the age of 18 and 24 months, and most children have grown out of it by their third birthday. Some children engage in the behavior for just a few weeks, but for others it can last months or even years.

How to prevent head banging

In rare cases, head banging can be a sign of a more serious problem so it’s worth mentioning it to your child’s doctor. In most cases, however, head banging is nothing to worry about. Many parents worry that their child will hurt herself, but this is very unlikely. You may feel inclined to wrap the bars with blankets to soften the blow, but this could increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and is not advised.

Some babies bang their heads to self soothe before going to sleep. By helping your child to relax before bedtime, it may be possible to eliminate the need for head banging. Moving to a quiet room and reading stories before bed could help your child to unwind after a busy day. A relaxing bath and soothing baby massage could also help your child to prepare for bedtime.

Bedtime behaviors could also be caused by stresses during the day. Babies can quickly become overstimulated by crowds, loud noises and bright lights. They may also feel anxious when separated from their primary caregiver. Make sure you are spending enough quality time with your child during the day. Avoiding busy places probably isn’t an option, but you should make sure your baby has somewhere quiet and safe to retreat to in the event of overstimulation. A sling or wrap that snuggles your baby into your chest is a great option for this, and gives your baby the benefit of some quality cuddle time with you.

If head banging is an ongoing issue in your home, be sure to check the bolts and screws on your baby’s cot regularly. The repeated motion could cause the screws to work free, making the cot a less secure place for your baby to sleep. If you are concerned about your babies behaviour, contact your healthcare provider or pediatrician.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

After years of being deprived sugar and have very strict rules, you might be surprised at how different your parents are now that they’re grandparents. Where you had to be in bed by 7:30pm no matter what, your kids seem to stay up late every time they visit their grandparents. You thought cherry tomatoes were treats until you were five years old, but your parents are doling out candy now that they’re grandparents. While you want to encourage a happy and close bond between your kids and parents, you also probably want to know your ground rules are being respected.

Why do grandparents spoil their grandchildren?

This one is quite simple, they’re not the parents. They don’t have to worry about teeth brushing regimes, screen time or an overload of toys because they’re not the parents. They’ve been there, done that. They were strict with you, but now it’s their turn to enjoy all of the fun bits of young children without having to worry about the consequences. They don’t spend as much time with your kids as you do, so they want to make sure your kids have the best time possible when they’re together. Of course, this doesn’t have to mean e-numbers, over tiredness and lots of new toys, and it’s ok for you to point that out.

Does it really matter if the grandparents are spoiling your kids?

Er, yeah. If the grandparents are filling your children’s tummies with sugars, additives and e-numbers, you’re likely to be the one paying the price at the end of the visit. If your children are returning home from sleepovers at Granny’s house overtired, exhausted and emotional, you’re not likely to have a good day. If it matters to you, then it matters. You’re the parent and you set the rules, and some of those rules should apply to the grandparents too.

How to stop the grandparents spoiling your kids

It’s important to communicate your feelings with the grandparents. After all, they’re a big part of your children’s lives and it’s important they support your parenting ethos. You’ll need to tread carefully, it’s important to get the grandparents on side. If you’re worried about sweet treats, explain the problems with tooth decay and obesity. If you’re worried about sleep, explain how difficult it is for you to get your child back into a routine after a late night or skipped nap. Be kind, understanding and polite. Remember, the grandparents were parents once so they’ll understand.

You might want to let some things slide. All grandparents want to spoil their grandkids, and though it’s not ideal, it’s just a way for them to bond. You can suggest better ways of them spoiling your kids. For example, instead of giving your children cookies, ice-cream and candy, suggest some sugar-free recipes they could bake together. They’ll still get to have fun and you won’t have to worry about tooth decay. If they love spending money on the grandkids, suggest things your children really need or perhaps experiences they could do together.

Are your children spoilt by their grandparents?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

A napping baby is a beautiful thing. Now that he’s 11 weeks old, your baby is probably spending more and more time awake. Even so, he’ll still be clocking up an impressive 15 hours of sleep each day. You may find it hard to believe when you’re feeling so exhausted thanks to all the night waking, but sleep is high on your baby’s list of priorities.

How long should my baby spend napping?

Now that he’s 11 weeks old, your baby probably spends three to five hours each day napping. This will likely be split over two or three naps, giving you plenty of opportunities to wonder what the hell you should be doing when your baby naps in the day. Your baby may nap whilst you’re out and about, snuggled up in the sling or tucked up in the pram, allowing you to get on with your day whilst he sleeps.

What should I do when my baby naps?

If you’re home alone when your baby goes down for a nap, you might be wondering what you should do with the free time. Should you use the opportunity to get some housework done, ring a friend for a chat or use the time to fill in some of that baby journal? Of course, it’s your time so it’s absolutely up to you what you choose to do with it.

If you’re feeling sleepy (and, really, what new parent isn’t?), then your baby’s nap time is the perfect time for you to catch up on some sleep. Not everybody finds it easy to sleep in the day, but it may help you to restore those depleted energy levels. Close the curtains, get into your pyjamas and switch off the lights. Even if you don’t manage to fall asleep, the rest will do you some good.

If you’re not feeling sleepy, you can do whatever you like during your baby’s naptime. Unless your baby has settled into a predictable routine, you might find it frustrating that you can’t predict how long your baby will sleep for. Some days you might rush around doing odd jobs, expecting your baby to wake up any moment, only to find he sleeps for hours and you could have relaxed in front of a movie.

The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to do something useful just because your baby is asleep. You don’t have to wash the dishes, do the laundry or cook dinner. Looking after a baby all day is exhausting work, so you’re perfectly entitled to enjoy any downtime that comes your way. Read a book, watch a movie or have a bath. Do whatever you need to feel a little more like you.

What are your favorite things to do whilst your baby naps?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Babies need lots of sleep – 12 to 20 hours each day. They sleep for a few hours at a time, then wake to eat and play, then sleep again. Including at night. For some reason, though, we equate long stretches of baby sleep with being an accomplished parent. How many times have you been asked, “Is he sleeping through the night yet?” Some parents feel if their baby isn’t sleeping through the night by X weeks, they’ve failed as a parent. But realistically, babies aren’t programmed that way.

At birth, babies don’t have a circadian rhythm – that internal clock that shapes our 24-hour day. Your baby just doesn’t know you expect to consolidate sleep into nighttime hours and waking into the daylight hours. It takes the first three to four months for this to start developing, and it doesn’t mature until six to 12 months. Once that happens babies sleep more predictably and for longer stretches at night.

Young babies – whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed – are going to wake at night to eat. For breastfed newborns, their sleep cycle neatly matches their digestion. Researchers have found that it takes a newborn about one hour to digest an average amount of breastmilk, and that is just the length of their sleep cycle.

Being honest with yourself … do you really sleep eight hours straight? Or do you wake occasionally yourself to adjust the covers, check the clock, get a drink or use the toilet? Baby does all of these things, too; but because of his immature nervous system, he needs your help to get back to sleep.

One of the most bothersome things about baby sleep is that it’s throwing your sleep patterns completely off. Sleep deprivation is something you read about before the birth of your baby but can’t completely understand until you’re living through it. And it’s not just that you’re not sleeping – it’s that the sleep you do get is fragmented. You’re often waking before you’ve had a chance to recharge. Tips for dealing with this interruption to your sleep include:

• sleep when your baby sleeps
• if you can’t sleep, at least rest
• go to bed when baby does – even if it’s early evening
• do less, relax more – let the housekeeping go, and rest instead
• get help – whether it’s with the housekeeping or with baby care

So, when will your baby sleep through the night? It’s hard to say. Sleep is a developmental milestone that every child reaches on his own timeline. As your baby grows, he will start to sleep more, and that sleep will consolidate into night hours eventually. And before you know it, you’ll sleep 8 hours and not even remember what it was like to be awake all the time!

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Around the world, across cultures and throughout time, mothers have shared sleep with their babies. Co-sleeping facilitates breastfeeding, helps babies sleep better, and gives moms more rest.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, among other healthcare organizations, recommends that babies sleep in close proximity to mom for the first months of life. While they do not advocate sleeping on the same sleep surface (bedsharing), they do suggest that babies should sleep in the same room as mom. Sleeping near an adult caregiver lowers baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Many moms find, though, bedsharing is preferable. In fact, a recent survey found that almost half of all parents admitting to sharing a bed with their baby on some or most nights. If you plan on co-sleeping, make sure you have created a safe sleep space first.

Avoid bedsharing if:

• Either parent smokes
• Either parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• One partner is not in agreement about bedsharing
• You are so fatigued that you may not be able to respond to your baby’s needs
• Older siblings or pets share your bed

Consider separate sleep surfaces if:

• Your baby is a preemie or is low-birth-weight
• Your baby is ill

Safe co-sleeping guidelines:

• Always place your baby on his back to sleep
• Make sure the mattress is firm (e.g. no memory foam or waterbed) without any loose sheets or fluffy blankets and pillows
• Be sure your baby can’t fall out of bed, or become trapped between the bed and it’s frame or the bed and the wall
• Keep baby from overheating by dressing him lightly for sleep
• Move the pillows up and away so they’re nowhere near the baby
• Keep the duvet under the baby so he can’t be smothered

Never leave your baby alone on an adult bed – even very young babies can scoot to the edge and fall. Avoid sleeping on a sofa or recliner with your baby. This increases the risk of infant death from suffocation or entrapment. Some experts recommend that if your baby is bottle-fed rather than breastfed he should sleep close to mom on another sleep surface, i.e. a cot or crib in mom’s room.

Whether or not you are co-sleeping, babies thrive on routine – so create a restful sleeptime ritual for your family, and adjust as your baby grows. Parenting doesn’t stop at night, so find ways for all family members to have their needs met while everyone still gets enough sleep.

Written by Michelle, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Picture for a minute what sleep positions you default to at night. Are you someone who curls up in the fetal position? Do you like to sprawl out and take up most of the bed? Are you the little or big spoon in your relationship? And have you ever been accused of stealing the covers and kicking in your sleep?

Okay, that last one was mostly just for fun—it really has nothing at all to do with how you put your baby to sleep. But surely those questions got you thinking about how you’re most comfortable sleeping, which may have you reflecting on your baby’s sleep positions as well. Should you just let him or her curl into whatever position is comfortable? Or is it your job to make those decisions for your little one?

In the beginning, the first several months at least, that choice is all on you; your baby has very little control over how he or she sleeps. But the way you position them can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Back is best, which means that no matter what your parents say about how you slept as an infant (they probably put you on your stomach, but we know more now), your little one will be safest if you put him or her on their back to rest. Not on their stomach or side; remember, back is best.

Now, as they get a little older, babies will start shifting and moving themselves into the sleep positions they prefer. Once rolling starts up, there is only so much you can do to keep them on their backs. But you can follow these other tips to keep the risk of SIDS down.

1. Put Out the Cigarettes: Smoking during pregnancy puts your baby at a three times greater risk of SIDS, and smoking around your infant can be just as damaging. So if you haven’t quit yet, now is a great time to start working towards that goal!
2. Keep the Bedding Safe: Sure, bumpers, stuffed animals, and big, frilly blankets all look great in a crib—but they aren’t safe. Keep bedding simple and tight; nothing that your little one could get wound up in or suffocate as a result of. Sleep sacks are a great alternative to blankets for keeping your baby both warm and safe.
3. Breastfeed: Breastfed babies appear to have a 50 percent reduced risk of SIDS.
4. The right mattress: Don’t use mattresses made from foam rubber or memory foam.

Don’t buy products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as wedges, home heart or breathing monitors. Research shows that these monitors that claim to be able to detect SIDS and other life-threatening events are not effective at detecting or reducing SIDS. Only use them when prescribed by healthcare providers.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.