Safe Sleeping with Ollie Swaddle

It’s part of our mission to see every baby flourish from conception to crawling and as always, our number one priority is the safety of your little one. The Ollie Swaddle is designed to help your baby (and you!) sleep soundly and feel comforted. With that in mind, we have ten tips for naptime and bedtime.

1. Always place your baby on his back to sleep. When you lay your little one down for a nap or at night, always pace him on his back. Once your baby is able to roll over on his own, he may roll over in his sleep to his tummy or side. As long as he is able to roll back-and-forth, there isn’t a need to return him to his back.
2. Room share with your baby. Your little one should not share a bed with you, but it is recommended that the crib or bassinet be in your room for at least the first 3-6 months.
3. Ensure a firm sleep surface. A lot of times we want our little one to be “comfy” but rest assured that your little one is much safer on a firm sleep surface than a fluffy one – like on a pillow or comforter. A simple crib mattress or pack-and-play is perfect.
4. Free your crib from pillows, blankets and toys. Your child’s crib shouldn’t have pillows, blankets or bumper pads. If you’re concerned about your little one sticking a leg or arm through the crib and getting stuck, use a mesh crib liner instead of the padded bumpers.
5. Don’t let your baby get hot. As mentioned above, there shouldn’t be blankets in your baby’s crib. If you’re concerned about her being warm during the winter, opt for socks and footie pajamas for warmth. Your Ollie Swaddle will also provide extra warmth while still being conducive to a safe sleep environment.
6. Breastfeed or pump and bottle-feed. Your breast milk is tailored to the needs of you little one and provides antibodies that help fight off infection.
7. Consider offering a pacifier. As with all things, there are pros and cons to offering a pacifier. But, if you only offer a pacifier during naps and at bedtime, it can be beneficial in preventing SIDS according to some studies.
8. Utilize your pediatrician. Your little one’s health and well-being are your number one priority, so take advantage of your pediatrician’s office. Attend all well check-ups and be sure to ask any questions no matter how trivial they may seem. Most pediatricians’ offices also have an after-hours nurse line that you can call at night or on weekends.
9. Stay away from smokers. Second-hand smoke is very dangerous for babies and has been found to contribute to an increased risk of SIDS. A relatively new term, third-hand smoke is just as dangerous. Third-hand smoke is a term for residual contamination that lingers on walls, toys and clothes.
10. Avoid sleep positioners or sleep aids. This includes items that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS and goes back to number three. A flat, firm surface is the best for your baby’s safety.