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One of the upper most questions on the minds of first time parents is , "How do I lay my child down to sleep?" The subject of sleep patterns and bedtimes is only beginning. Through the next few years, many parents will struggle with bedtime issues that can be lessened considerably if routines are established early on.

The current recommendations for a sleeping position is to place your infant on their back or side. Never place a young infant on their tummy to sleep as recent studies have shown an increased risk for S.I.D.S. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) when infants sleep on their tummies. If you are concerned that your baby will spit up during the night, the side position is your best option and can easily be accomplished by rolling a couple of receiving blankets into a tube shape and use them to support the baby in the front and back. Be sure to place the blanket roll in front no higher than under the arms to avoid risking it getting near the baby's face during the night.

While studies show a marked decrease in S.I.D.S. since infants have been placed on their backs or sides to sleep, there seems to be an increase in babies having flattened heads when only one sleeping position is used for several hours at a time. This can be avoided by shifting which side you place your baby on to sleep and allowing the baby to sleep on her back during daytime naps when you can peek in at her more often. Our pediatrician also emphasized getting baby up for lots of social interaction and blanket playtime and rocking to avoid extended periods of time laying in a crib or bassinet in one position.

Establishing a bedtime routine early on not only makes it easier to lay baby down as an infant but makes it easier to maintain a routine when the baby grows older. Dress a young infant in warm footed sleepers and avoid the excessive use of blankets. Do not place stuffed toys in bed with infants. Until a young infant begins actively turning and rolling, the side position can be maintained and alternated each time baby is placed in bed to sleep. Once baby begins actively kicking and twisting she will shift from back to side naturally. The rolled receiving blankets can be removed at that time and simply allow the baby to shift herself during the night.

My newest grand-baby who is now eight weeks old, is shifting from side to back and side again on her own and tucking even a light blanket around her is fruitless! Footed pajamas in a medium weight and a comfortable setting on the thermostat

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