Grandparents

In just one generation there have been significant changes in the way we parent our babies and children. The recommended practices today are based on extensive research and support baby's growth and development.

It is easy to see how grandma may have mixed feelings about all these new approaches that fly in the face of what she did when raising her babies. It's not that grandma did the wrong things; she followed what were considered the best practices at the time.

Grandma may be baffled by how often your baby is up at night. Hopefully she will have a healthy curiosity about changes in the baby care world and will respect and support your choices as a mother.

Babies are all being slept on their backs now to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Babies are more wakeful on their backs than on their tummies. It is crucial that no one ever place a baby to sleep on their tummy even once, as the risk of SIDS is increased 20 times in a baby accustomed to back sleeping, when put to sleep on their tummy.

It is also advised that the baby sleep in a clutter-free environment to allow for freer air circulation. Big puffy comforters, sheepskins, bumper pads, duvets, stuffed animals, soft mattresses and pillows are all considered unsafe in the baby's sleep environment. 

While visiting grandparents, baby must never sleep on an adult bed surrounded by pillows.  This is extremely dangerous.  Sleeping in a car seat is not recommended.