Yes, babies should be placed on their backs, alone in a crib or bassinet for sleep. But what about those babies who don’t like that? Who screams as soon as their back touches the mattress?

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❤️ Swaddling may help. Try swaddling before you’re going to try to help your child sleep. Lots of children don’t like getting into the swaddle but do like to be swaddled. Try different types of swaddles. Does your child favor arms up to down? Lot’s of babies don’t like to have their arms pinned down to their sides, it’s not a natural position to sleep in.

❤️ Try holding your baby horizontally across your body before laying them down.

❤️ Hold them for 10 minutes before laying them down.

❤️ Place your hands on them and jiggle them a little to help them get back into a deeper sleep. If your baby still wakes, you can hold your baby whilst they sleep. If there is no way you will fall asleep, it’s okay to hold them with you, sitting in a chair or on a couch. If there is a possibility that you may fall asleep, set yourself up for safe bedsharing and go to your bed. It is safer for your baby to sleep in your bed safely than sleep on you (whilst you’re sleeping) on a couch or chair.

Here’s some information on safe bedsharing.

❤️ The bed should be firm and clean.

❤️ The safest place for your child to sleep is between the breastfeeding parent and a wall or bedrail.

❤️ You’ll want to ensure there are no gaps between the mattress and the headboard, wall, or bedrail. The gap is too big if you can fit your fingers between it.

❤️ Pillows and covers should be well away from your baby.

❤️Stuffed animals should not be on the bed.

❤️ Siblings should not be left alone with your baby.

DO NOT BED SHARE IF…

You or your partner are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

You are so exhausted from sleep deprivation.

You or your partner have a sleep disorder.

Slumber Academy Newborn members can find out more about safe bedsharing and take my quiz to determine if your family has any increased risks when bedsharing.