Why is sleep so important for babies? What techniques can help parents put their little ones to bed safely and healthily, reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

In this article, we count on the collaboration of Mafalda Tavares, a representative of a leading brand whose primary mission is to create a safe sleep environment for babies.



Besides helping to restore energy, sleep allows the baby to stimulate the central nervous system, produce growth hormones, strengthen the immune system, and activate memory. Therefore, it is essential that it is respected, ensuring that there are no disturbances.



The Portuguese Society of Paediatrics and the Portuguese Sleep Association recommend the following number of hours of sleep per day for children¹:



• 0–3 months: between 14 and 17 hours

• 4–11 months: between 12 and 15 hours

• 1–2 years: between 11 and 14 hours

• 3–5 years: between 10 and 13 hours

• 6–13 years: between 9 and 11 hours



“Will my baby sleep well?” “Will we have peaceful nights?”



These are questions that all parents ask themselves even before their baby is born. However, within the topic of sleep, there is a crucial subject during the first year of a child’s life: safe sleep.



“And what exactly is safe sleep?” It is the adoption of a set of bedtime techniques that promote the baby’s safety and well-being.



“The baby’s safety is most important during the first year of life and especially when the baby starts sleeping in their own room, as they are no longer constantly under the parents’ watch.”



Techniques to Promote Safe Sleep



Even after many years of research, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) still occurs and remains unexplained. As the name indicates, this syndrome refers to the sudden and unexpected death of a baby under one year old during sleep. Over the years, organisations linked to paediatrics, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, have studied the subject and strongly recommend creating a safe sleep environment to reduce risks.



• Be careful with overheating



“A baby’s body temperature should be checked on the chest or back, not on the hands or feet. The extremities are often cold because babies generally have poor circulation.” — Mafalda Tavares, Aerosleep



To prevent the risk of SIDS due to overheating, adjust the baby’s bedroom temperature and clothing to the season and local climate.



- Keep the baby’s room temperature between 16°C and 20/21°C. A room thermometer is essential!



- The use of a sleeping bag is highly recommended — it’s the safest way to prevent the baby from becoming too cold or too hot during the night, without the risk of suffocation. You should have several sleeping bags suitable for each season (check the TOG, the measure of thermal insulation).



• Choose a firm, breathable orthopaedic mattress. Using a soft mattress increases the likelihood of suffocation.²



• Prefer breathable sheets and keep the bed free from anything that could obstruct the baby’s breathing or restrict airflow. Soft toys, pillows, loose sheets, and cot bumpers can all block the baby’s nose and mouth.³



• It’s essential to place the baby’s feet at the foot of the cot, ensuring that the sheets are securely tucked in and that they cover the baby only up to their shoulders or armpits. This reduces the risk of suffocation, as there’s less chance of the baby sliding under the sheets. Avoid exposing the baby to dust mites, not only because of SIDS risk but also to prevent respiratory and skin allergies.



• Babies of smoking parents are at greater risk. According to the Portuguese Society of Paediatrics, “The risk of SIDS increases if the mother smoked during pregnancy and continues to smoke after birth. If the father also smokes, the risk increases further.”



• The use of a dummy (pacifier) may help in the prevention of SIDS, but if the baby rejects it, do not force it. Studies show that “sucking strengthens muscle tone in the upper airways and helps the tongue move forward, keeping the airways open” (Hauck, Omojokun and Siadaty, 2005; Mellara et al., 2010, cited by Araújo, 2014).⁴



To ensure the well-being and health of both baby and family, it’s crucial to establish good sleep habits. Access to reliable, evidence-based information is essential to reduce the risk of SIDS and promote safe sleep. If you have any doubts about applying these techniques, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.



A special thanks to Mafalda Tavares, representative of Aerosleep Portugal, for her valuable collaboration.



References

¹ Demystifying Baby Sleep. (n.d.). Médis.

² How to Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). (n.d.). Portuguese Society of Paediatrics.

³ How to Reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Infants. (n.d.). Atlas da Saúde.

⁴ Araújo, D. (2014). The Effect of Pacifier Use in Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome [Master’s Dissertation, Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto].