If you’re anxious about the safety concerns of leaving your baby in a bassinet or cradle while they sleep, then take heart. It’s not only safe to leave an infant awake in their bassinet or cradle. It could be beneficial to their development.
Many parents wonder whether it’s safe to leave their baby in a cradle for extended periods while they sleep. Parents need to remember that babies who are left in the bassinet or cradle without being held will still receive skin-to-skin contact with the parent when nursing. This type of care also enables the parent and baby to bond more quickly. This touch can create feelings of intimacy and security between parent and child. Moreover, time spent in the bassinet or cradle while the baby sleeps can help isolate the infant from other people. It stimulates them to interact with their surroundings.
It’s important to remember that during this time, babies are non-verbal. This means they’re unable to communicate any needs. For instance, if your baby decides they need you while being left unattended in the bassinet or cradle, then there’s nothing you can do without waking them up. Unplanned contact with strangers usually isn’t a problem for babies awake because they have no idea who these strangers are or what they want. Much to parents’ surprise, the more time infants spend awake in a bassinet or cradle while they’re sleeping during the day, the more likely they are to interact with these strangers in a friendly and receptive manner.
One of the main concerns about leaving a baby unattended in a bassinet or cradle may inhibit their development. However, babies left either in a bassinet or cradle while they slept during one to the three months from birth had no less intelligence or cognitive performance at age two than other infants who spent their entire waking hours with their mothers.
How Long Should I Let My Baby Lay Awake in a Crib?
There is no recommended age for babies to be left in their cribs or cradles while they sleep. The main concern is the length of time that the baby is left unattended. Babies who are left silent in their cribs with until they wake up will begin to learn how to interact with the environment around them. Unlike an infant who has been awake longer, it may take several weeks for this unattended infant to interact with the environment around them appropriately.
Parents should also remember that infants’ brains don’t reach full development until about 18 months. Parents should be aware that babies awake for extended periods in the crib may require more stimulation. They have a more challenging time settling them back to sleep.
Leaving babies in their bassinets or cradles while they sleep help infants develop better during the day. Infants trained to manage self-soothing by sleeping at night and waking up during the day. They learn the skills necessary to adjust themselves when they’re not being held or rocked. It will give them a better chance of handling themselves they’re alone.
After doing some research on leaving babies unattended in their bassinets and cradles for extended periods, I found that it is safe and can be beneficial. If you decide to leave your baby awake longer than the recommended time during the day, try to make sure they receive skin-to-skin contact with their parent as often as possible and make sure not to leave them alone for more than three hours at a time.
What About if It Takes Longer Than 3 Hours Before My Baby Falls Asleep?
You should talk with your pediatrician about different techniques. It can help you keep your baby more calm and relaxed when they’re awake for more than three hours during the day. One way to help your baby stay calm for more extended periods is to use a pacifier or bottle when you return. By using these methods, babies will self-soothe without making any noise that will wake them up.
Tips for Safe Sleep for Your Baby in a Bassinet?
If you decide to leave your baby unattended and to sleep in a cradle, bassinet, or swing during the day, there are some things you can do to help them sleep better and more safely.
•Make sure that the baby is upright during their sleep.
•Make sure that the mattress is firm enough so that your baby’s head won’t flop around too much when they’re asleep.
•Place a blanket over the bassinet or cradle for babies who are less than three months old. Babies three to six months should sleep without a blanket until it gets cool outside. Because covering up their bodies won’t allow them to breathe correctly.
•Try to avoid placing your baby on their stomach. Instead, try to prop them up against a pillow, so they’re sitting upright.
•Put a monitor close by to monitor your baby’s breathing or heart rate if you feel it’s necessary.
•If you bring your baby with you when you’re going to be away from the house for a long time, make sure they have a clean diaper. And also a blanket if they’re less than three months old. They may also need extra clothing because babies who can sleep longer during the day sometimes sweat more than they do at night.
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Conclusion
After reading this article, I realize that there are quite a lot of benefits to leaving my baby unattended for multiple hours during the day. However, I also recognize that it is essential not to overdo it. All in all, if you feel like you can manage your baby’s sleep schedule and they continue sleeping at night without any disturbances, then you should consider letting them stay awake for an extended time during the day.
However, if you feel like your baby’s sleep schedule is disrupted by leaving them awake, or if they need your help with self-soothing or calming themselves down before they fall asleep, then it may be best to place them back in their bassinet or cradle when they need rest.