As newborns grow and develop, they hit milestones like rolling, which can make parents wonder about the best methods for safe sleep. A common question is whether newborns can continue to sleep in a bassinet when they start rolling over.
This article discusses the developmental period for rolling over, the hazards of using a bassinet after this milestone, and the necessary procedures for transferring to a crib.
This thorough piece also includes practical recommendations for creating a safe sleep environment as well as advice on handling stomach-sleeping newborns, and ensuring your baby sleeps soundly as they progress through this developmental period.
When Do Babies Start Rolling Over?
Age of Rolling Over
Rolling over is a thrilling milestone that signals the beginning of increased mobility and motor abilities. Babies often begin rolling over at about 4 months old. Some newborns start rolling onto their tummies sooner, while others take longer. Babies develop differently, therefore this is entirely normal.
For a baby, rolling over is a synchronized action. Making it happen requires strong neck, arm, core, and back muscles as well as head control. Babies begin preparing for this milestone from the moment they are born! Some infants will roll onto one side to sleep in the days after birth, but most babies appear to lose the capacity to turn onto their sides voluntarily within the first month.
Babies frequently master rolling from belly to back first. It is simpler for them to move themselves forward from their tummies. By 6 months, many newborns will have learned the ability to roll from back to front, which they can perform while sleeping.
Signs and Development of Rolling Over
Parents may notice early signs that their baby is preparing to roll. These include wiggling, lifting their chest while on their tummy, or rocking side to side when lying on their back. It’s essential to monitor your baby’s progress and be aware of the signs that they are becoming more active during sleep.
Your baby will most likely turn over for the first time while performing tummy time. When they abruptly find themselves on their back, they may be as astonished as you are! Rolling over may be frightening for your baby at first, but they will quickly enjoy their new skill.
While some newborns use rolling as their major form of ground locomotion for a while, others skip it entirely and instead move on to sitting, lunging, and crawling. Don’t worry as long as your youngster continues to learn new abilities and has an interest in moving around and exploring their surroundings.
Is It Safe for a Baby to Sleep in a Bassinet After Rolling Over?
No, it is generally unsafe for a baby to continue sleeping in a bassinet after they begin rolling over. While bassinets provide a comfortable, compact sleeping environment for infants, they are not intended to handle the motions of a rolling baby.
When your baby begins rolling from belly to back and back to stomach, they may roll over throughout the night. Owing to this capacity to roll over, parents must keep a close eye on their sleeping surroundings. While it may be tempting to keep using the bassinet, potential risks may outweigh the advantages once rolling starts.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on their backs, on a solid, level surface without any clutter. This includes no cushions, blankets, stuffed animals, or other things to reduce the danger of asphyxia. Make sure the bedsheet is taut and flat! Once newborns begin rolling, the small and constrained space of a bassinet does not meet these safety guidelines.
When babies begin rolling over, bassinets become increasingly unsafe due to their compact size and limited features. Here are the primary risks:
- Suffocation: In a bassinet, the space is more confined, and some bassinets feature cushioned sides or soft material, which can cause suffocation if the baby’s face ends up pressed against the mattress or sidewalls, as the baby cannot yet effectively lift their head to clear their airway.
- Entrapment: If a baby rolls to one side of the bassinet, it may become stuck between the mattress and the side, posing a major safety risk, especially if the baby is unable to free themselves.
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): The National Institute of Health reports that around 3,600 newborns die from SIDS in the United States each year. The etiology of SIDS is uncertain. However, it might be caused by issues in the part of an infant’s brain that regulates breathing and waking up from sleep. Infants who are sleep-prone or face-down are more likely to re-breathe the carbon dioxide that they exhale onto their sleep surface.
- Impact on Sleep Quality: Cradles are usually designed for newborns of a few months old. As babies grow, they need more space to stretch their bodies and do some simple activities. Crowded cradles do not have more space for them to freely adjust their sleeping positions or explore rolling skills. The lack of a comfortable sleeping environment will affect the baby’s rest.
Solution: Transition from Bassinet to Crib
While it’s true that newborns sleep best in the narrower confines of a bassinet at first, given the risks we’ve outlined above, you should consider transitioning your baby to a crib that’s more suitable for older babies at the first sign of rolling over.
Features of A Crib
The design features of a crib make it ideal for babies who roll over.
The standard size of a crib is 28 inches wide by 52 inches long, much larger than a bassinet. Even active babies can sleep in it without feeling crowded, and they can roll, stretch, or change positions comfortably.
Compared to a bassinet, a crib has lower and more stable sides and the mattress of high is adjustable. When babies learn to roll over, the mattress can be adjusted to a medium level, and when they learn to sit or stand, the mattress can be lowered to the lowest position. Even if a baby who can already roll over pushes hard against the side of the crib, the will not tip over or fall.
Cribs are designed with breathable mesh or slatted sides to better promote airflow exchange inside and outside the crib, helping to regulate the baby’s body temperature and reduce the risk of overheating.
How to Transition Smoothly？
Babies are always very dependent on familiar environments and objects. Transferring a baby to a crib may initially trigger a strong reaction and anxiety in the baby, causing the transition to be delayed.
But as long as you master the corresponding skills, you can reduce a lot of trouble and make the process smoother. Listed below are a few tips and steps for a smooth transition:
1. Introduce the Crib Gradually. Allow your infant to nap in the crib once or twice each day. You can begin this in the first few weeks or as soon as you’re prepared. This continuous practice in the crib builds familiarity and comfort with the crib.
2. Maintain the same routine. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine will provide your infant with a reliable indication that it is time to sleep. You’ll just do it in the nursery, placing your infant in the bed rather than the bassinet.
3. Re-create the same room atmosphere. A comparable atmosphere, such as a firm, flat mattress in a warm, dark room with a white sound machine buzzing, will help with the transition from a bassinet to a crib.
4. Prepare for a few days of adjustment. Understand that it may take your kid a few days to adjust to a somewhat altered sleep surface. During this time be patient and take some time to rest so that you can show up for both you and the baby fully.
How to Ensure a Safe Sleep Environment for a Rolling Baby?
Creating a safe sleep environment is especially important once your baby begins rolling over. Since rolling increases mobility and movement during sleep, parents must take extra precautions to minimize risks. Here are some key practices to ensure your baby sleeps safely:
Follow the Back-to-Sleep Guideline: Even if your infant is able to turn over, always put them to sleep on their back. This is the safest posture for lowering the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Choose a Firm Mattress: To ensure that your kid is resting in a secure crib, press down on their crib mattress from all sides. Make sure the crib mattress is firm and springs back into place fast. Do not just take the manufacturer’s word for it; test it yourself! Suffocation is more likely on soft or uneven surfaces, thus firm mattress support is critical.
Avoid Cribs with Drop-Side Railings: The CPSC has barred the sale of crib drop-side rails. Over time, crib drop-side hardware becomes prone to cracking or deforming. This can cause the drop-side rail to separate from the crib, leaving a space for newborns to roll over and become caught in. This implies that the side rails of your baby’s crib should not be able to shift.
Safe Distance Between Crib Slats: According to CPSC crib safety guidelines, the gap between slats must be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 cm) to keep newborns from falling out and their heads from becoming stuck between the slats.
Remove Soft Objects from the Crib: Avoid using bumper pads, soft sheets or blankets, fluffy duvet or pillows, soft toys, or pillow-like stuffed toys in your baby’s crib. Any of these objects may cause your infant to suffocate.
Stop Swaddling: Once your baby shows symptoms of rolling, stop swaddling so as to avoid restricting their movement. Use a sleep sack as a safer alternative. A sleep sack allows newborns to move their legs and arms more freely while limiting movement.
Adjust the Crib Position: To prevent falls, lower the crib mattress as soon as your infant begins rolling or sitting up.
Monitor Your Baby: Use a baby monitor to keep track on your baby’s movements while sleeping.
What if a Baby Rolls on Its Stomach While Sleeping?
While small babies under a year old should always sleep on their back, your baby repeatedly flipping over onto their front after falling asleep is not always cause for concern.
If your baby rolls and continues to sleep comfortably, and your pediatrician hasn’t suggested differently, you don’t have to keep rolling them back to their back. Most newborns like to sleep on their stomachs.
If your baby rolls and wakes up, wait a few minutes to observe what happens. Can they become comfortable on their stomachs? Do they roll back over? Can they work things out on their own? Allow your infant some freedom to see what they will do on their own.
If your baby is actually stuck, try flipping them back onto their back. Most newborns ultimately learn to shift to their preferred sleeping position, sometimes with the assistance of a parent or caregiver, occasionally on their own.
If your infant routinely rolls onto their stomach during sleep, make sure their sleeping space is secure, and devoid of soft bedding, cushions, and toys. Monitoring them throughout the night can also bring peace of mind.
Notably, encourage supervised tummy time during the day to build neck, shoulder, and core muscles, allowing children to adjust themselves more readily when sleeping.
Conclusion
Rolling over is a thrilling milestone, but it also signals the need for modifications in your baby’s sleeping arrangements. Because of space and safety considerations, using a bassinet once your baby starts rolling is no longer safe. Transitioning to a crib creates a safer sleeping environment with plenty of room for movement.
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