If you frequently discover your baby sleeping on the floor or if your baby enjoys spending time on the floor, you may wonder if sleeping on the floor is safe for your baby and if there are any potential benefits. Sleeping on the floor is a centuries-old custom still practiced in many cultures. However, you must take some measures if you want to let your baby sleep on the floor. This post discusses the answers to various concerns that you may have about your infant sleeping on the floor and provides some safety measures.
Is Sleeping On The Floor Safe For Babies?
According to the Canadian Government safety standards, children under one year of age need to sleep on their backs on a firm surface (1). As the floor is a firm surface, you can make your baby sleep on the floor as long as you take all the necessary measures. However, talk to your pediatrician and take their opinion before making the decision. Yes, letting your baby sleep on the floor means more baby-proofing and extra precautions, but it could all be worth it since the benefits of sleeping on the floor outweigh the risks. Are you wondering what these benefits could be? Read on.
Potential Benefits Of The Baby Sleeping On The Floor
There are a few benefits of a baby sleeping on the floor. However, the ultimate decision to let your baby sleep on the floor depends on you and how your baby reacts to it. Also, it is best to talk to your pediatrician before opting for it. The following are a few benefits of a baby sleeping on the floor.
1. Sleep anytime, anywhere
If your baby likes to sleep on the floor, it is easy to get them to sleep anytime, anywhere. You need not carry expensive bedding or portable cribs. All you need is a simple blanket.
2. Get a good sleep
You can conveniently nurse the baby without the need to move them in and out of the crib or bassinet. This will help you keep those night feeds low-key and also give you a good night’s sleep.
3. Say goodbye to falling
Unlike the crib or bassinet, the floor offers a large space for the baby to sleep freely. If your baby has the habit of rolling over while sleeping, the floor may be the best place for them to sleep, as there is no danger of them falling.
4. Prevent SIDS
The floor is a firm and flat surface, and thus, it is the recommended surface to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants (1)
5. Encourage independence
Sleeping on the floor not only averts the dangers of falling and suffocating, but also gives your baby the freedom to get up all by themselves, without your help.
6. Enjoy more bonding time
Sleeping on the floor is a perfect place for bed-sharing with your baby, as bed-sharing on the cot or crib is not recommended. To let your baby reap the maximum benefits of sleeping on the floor, you need to make sure the environment is safe. The next section covers the safety precautions you need to take when your baby is sleeping on the floor.
Safety Measures To Take If Your Baby Is Sleeping On The Floor
It is important to take certain precautions to make the floor a suitable place for your baby to sleep. Here is how you can do it.
