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Safe sleep and healthy sleep habits go hand in hand. The Nightingales team is dedicated to implementing both with your newborn. Our team of Newborn Care Specialists and Postpartum Doulas help your baby learn to sleep independently in a safe environment as advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here’s how we implement AAP safe sleep guidelines with our overnight newborn care clients.
Safe Sleep Surface
Sleep deprivation is real. Exhausted parents are apt to lean back on less-than-safe sleep practices like bedsharing or placing baby in a reclined bouncer. The AAP strongly discourages both of these practices as they can lead to suffocation and other accidents. The Nightingales arrive at your home rested and ready to implement safe sleep practices. We only use cribs or bassinets, never placing your baby in an inclined position (unless advised by your pediatrician). Cribs and bassinets must meet up-to-date Consumer Product Safety Commission rules. If you’re not sure if your crib is up to date, just ask! We’re happy to help make sure your nursery is set up safely.
Safe Sleep Environment
Nightingales team members have a keen eye for a safe sleep environment. We always make sure that there’s nothing in the crib except a tightly fitted sheet and a pacifier (optional, but can reduce the risk of SIDS). Team members encourage parents to keep the room cool (68°F-72°F) and to not overdress their baby. In most cases, this means one layer (like footed pajamas) and a snug swaddle. And speaking of swaddles, Nightingales are expert swaddlers! We make sure that the swaddle blanket is snug but not too tight to keep baby safe and settled. Nightingales can also help wean your baby off the swaddle once they show signs of learning to roll.
Room Sharing
The AAP strongly encourages room sharing for at least the first 6 months of life. This recommendation has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, room sharing can mean less sleep for parents. That’s where the Nightingales come in! While we can use a baby monitor as your baby sleeps, we prefer to room share with your little one. This helps us to best learn their unique cues and keep a close eye on them while you sleep soundly.
Breastfeeding Support
Our team of NCS’s and PPD’s are trained to help you on your breastfeeding journey. While breastfeeding isn’t for everyone and we absolutely support every family’s feeding choices, if breastfeeding is your goal we’re here to help. Nightingales can provide physical comfort measures, expert advice, and warm encouragement to help you nurse comfortably, overcome obstacles and meet your breastfeeding goals. The AAP recommends exclusive human milk feeding for a minimum of 6 months. Studies have shown that 2 months of at least partial human milk feeding can significantly lower the risk of sleep-related deaths.
Encourage Tummy Time
At night, our job is to help your baby sleep soundly. We take over nighttime care to your comfort level – this could mean anything from bringing baby to you to nurse, or taking over nighttime bottle feeds completely. For overnight shifts, our goal is to help your baby learn healthy sleep habits so that your whole family can sleep soundly! But during daytime shifts, we love to get more involved with baby’s playtime. We facilitate supervised awake tummy time to encourage infant development and help develop those little muscles, which promotes healthier sleep.
Safe Sleep = Sound Sleep
Our team of dedicated Newborn Care Specialists and Postpartum Doulas is here to help. We implement AAP safe sleep guidelines and instill healthy sleep habits from day one. Having a newborn doesn’t have to equal sleep deprivation. With professional overnight newborn care, your whole family can rest well so that you can be more present and alert during your days together.
