If your pregnancy was affected by fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) or if you had post-delivery complications, your doctor may emphasize the need for close monitoring of your sleeping baby in the first year of life.
Following safe sleeping guidance is key to limiting risks of additional bleeding as well as other sleep-related dangers, such as suffocation or overheating. Safe sleeping guidelines are designed to reduce sleep-related risks for babies up to age 1 year, particularly under 4 months.
The importance of following safe sleeping guidance
Safe sleeping guidance is medically proven advice available from pediatric associations and doctors that aims to protect sleeping babies. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) refers to when babies die in their sleep for no identifiable medical reason.
Rates of SIDS have declined significantly since standardized advice on safe sleeping was introduced. Ensuring that placing babies on their backs to sleep is one recommendation thought to be responsible for fewer SIDS-related deaths.
Learn more about FNAIT treatment and care
Safe sleep considerations for babies at risk of bleeding
Babies who have experienced a high-risk pregnancy or a complicated start to life need specialized care. Newborns with FNAIT may have been premature and still recovering from medical treatment, or still at risk of bleeding. It is essential that their sleep routine and environment follow safe sleep guidelines.
- Sleeping position: The safest position for babies to sleep is on their backs — this includes daytime and nighttime sleep. Placing babies on their tummies to sleep lowers their blood pressure and reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, increasing the risk of suffocation.
- Bed: Babies should sleep in a cot or bassinet with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet.
- Bedding: Remove all pillows, bumpers, blankets, covers and soft toys from the sleep area to prevent their mouth and nose from being covered or obstructed.
- Clothes: Dress your baby to suit the season and environment, but don’t overdress. A onesie or a sleep sack should be sufficient.
- Swaddling: You can swaddle your baby until they start to roll over on their own, then it becomes a hazard.
- Pacifier: Try a pacifier, even if it falls out during sleep.
- Co-sleeping: Co-sleeping is not recommended, and babies must not be anywhere near cigarette smoke.
Monitoring your baby while they sleep
In addition to following safe sleep advice, it is also recommended to check on your sleeping baby at regular intervals.
Monitor them to make sure they are not overheating or having difficulty breathing. You may need to reposition or reswaddle your baby. In FNAIT-affected babies, signs of concern may include unusual sleepiness and floppiness or being unable to settle.
Electronic monitors are commonly advised for use with babies with medical needs. Ask your pediatrician for recommendations on baby monitoring devices. There is a wide range of monitors with cameras available – both breath and movement-based – as well as Owlet Socks that track your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels.
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