Newborn Safe Sleep Gifts
There is nothing more adorable than a newborn’s first Christmas. With the gift giving season upon us, parents are often given gifts that well-meaning relatives assume are safe and sound.
Christmas is an ideal time to check potentially lifesaving suggestions for what not to buy for the newborn baby in your life: potentially hazardous bedding items such as blankets, pillows, pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, sheepskins or crib bumpers
There are so many gorgeous blankets, cot bumpers, and comforters available, especially with Christmas symbols and shapes.
It is a joyful time to celebrate a child’s first Christmas, even comforters are decorated in dasher at this time of year.
Christmas day outfits are divine, but they often come attached with little Santa hats and bibs, that should be removed when it comes time for a nap
Parent’s need to be aware of age appropriate gifts, such as pillow pets.
Sids and Kids recommends the following practices for safe infant sleeping:
1.Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the tummy or side.
2.Sleep baby with head and face uncovered.
3.Keep baby smoke free before birth and after.
4.Provide a safe sleeping environment night and day, no couch or bean bag naps.
5.Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult caregiver for the first six to twelve months.
6. Breastfeed baby if possible.
Parent’s should also be aware when travelling to visit relatives with a newborn, and be watchful of their baby’s temporary sleep surface. It is often tempting to let the baby sleep overnight in a pram, as they might settle easiest in it, but they are not recommended for over night sleep. If you are borrowing a port-a-cot, then check the mattress and mesh surroundings.
To keep the manger safe I also recommend:
- Use a firm sleep surface covered by a tight, fitted sheet.
- Don’t use pillows, blankets, sheepskins or cot bumpers.
- Keep all soft objects, like toys or stuffed animals, out of the sleep area. If your baby is using a comforter check it is a breathable material and the size of a face washer.
- Make sure nothing covers the baby’s head. Remove hooded tops and hats.
- Dress the baby in clothing, such as a one-piece sleep suit, and appropriately togged sleeping bag or swaddle.
- The baby’s sleep area should be next to the parents’ bed.
- If a family is bed sharing to contact a health professional or certified sleep expert to ensure correct methods are safe.
- Invest in a Infant CPR program whilst at home during the Christmas Season.
Looking gorgeous but not SIDS recommended. 
According to Sids and Kids:
- Most SIDS deaths happen when babies are between 28 days and 1 year of age.
- According to the ABS 50 babies died of SIDS in Australia in 2012.
