Using comforters for settling your baby
Some babies just love to get up close and cuddly with a soft toy or comforter when they’re going to sleep. Interestingly, the formal name for a soft toy is a ‘transitional love object’, because they help infants to make the emotional transition from dependence to independence. [1]
Weighted blankets – are not safe for babies and young children
Weighted blankets are also called ‘calming’ or ‘sensory’ blankets and are often marketed as a sleep aid for babies and young children. Advertisers claim weighted blankets assist the child to go to sleep because they boost a sense of security and help them to calm. However, there is no evidence or proof that any of these claims are accurate. In fact, weighted blankets can be very unsafe and tragically, there have been babies and children who have died when being covered by a weighted blanket during their sleep.
Safe sleeping during the day – why checking is important
Most parents are mindful of the importance of following the safe sleeping recommendations for their baby. Following these recommendations helps to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy (SUDI) and to prevent sleeping accidents. Room sharing is also protective and reduces the risk of SUDI by up to 50%.
However, room sharing for day naps is a different matter to overnight when it’s easier for parents to check on their baby because they’re so close.
Tips for when your baby doesn't want to be swaddled
Swaddling a young baby can help them to settle and sleep on their back. This is protective against SUDI (Sudden Infant Death in Infancy). Swaddling can also be a good way to calm an unsettled and wakeful baby.
In the early months, a light muslin or cotton wrap is ideal to use as a swaddle. It can take a bit of practice to find the best way to wrap firm enough, though not too tight. Some babies are experts in wriggling free from their wrap and some just stay neatly inside.
