Parents Beware! Never Put Newborns in These 2 Sleeping Positions – It Could Cost Their Lives

Caring for a newborn is a delicate responsibility, and even a small oversight can lead to serious consequences. Pediatrician Dr. Nimisha Arora emphasizes that parents must follow strict safety guidelines while putting their babies to sleep, as negligence can lead to accidental deaths during sleep.

Keep the Sleeping Area Clear
Dr. Arora advises that pillows, toys, blankets, or any objects must not be around the baby while sleeping. These items can pose a suffocation risk and increase the likelihood of accidental death. Parents should ensure that the baby’s sleep environment is completely free of potential hazards.

Recent Cases Highlight the Risk
Tragically, there have been incidents where babies have suffocated while sharing blankets with parents. Such cases are classified under Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), where infants under one year die unexpectedly during sleep. Awareness about SIDS remains limited, making preventive measures essential.

Always Place Babies on Their Back
The most important safety rule is to always put babies to sleep on their backs. Sleeping on the stomach (prone) or side increases the risk of SIDS. Additionally, babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface. Soft mattresses, sofas, or recliners are not safe for infants.

Avoid Over-Layering
Parents should avoid dressing babies in excessive layers of clothing or covering them with heavy blankets. The simple guideline is to dress the baby in one more layer than what the parents are wearing. Over-layering can lead to overheating and pose a risk of suffocation.

Room Sharing vs. Bed Sharing
Experts recommend that babies can share the room with parents up to one year of age, but bed-sharing should be strictly avoided. If parents must bed-share, ensure the baby is always on their back, with no blankets, quilts, or pillows nearby. Parents who have consumed alcohol or are extremely tired should avoid sleeping near the baby under any circumstances.

Summary of Safe Sleep Practices

• Always place the baby on the back to sleep.
• Use a firm, flat sleep surface.
• Keep pillows, toys, blankets, and other objects away from the baby.
• Dress the baby in one layer more than the parents. Avoid over-layering.
• Prefer room-sharing instead of bed-sharing for the first year.

Following these simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS and ensure safe sleep for newborns.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on Instagram reels and general expert advice. Navbharat Times does not take responsibility for the accuracy, effects, or results of the information provided. Always consult a pediatrician for personalized guidance.