The Ideal Sleep Environment - Where Should Your Newborn Sleep at Night?

The question of where a newborn should sleep at night is a concern for many new parents. A cosy and safe sleeping environment is essential for the health and well-being of the new arrival.

The Ideal Sleep Environment - Where Should Your Newborn Sleep at Night?

Here are the most important points to consider when creating the ideal sleeping environment for a newborn.

1. Safety first

The most important point when choosing a place for a newborn to sleep is safety. Some studies recommend that babies should sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months, ideally even the first year, but in their own bed or cradle. According to studies, this practice can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to 50 per cent.

It is important that your baby sleeps on a firm mattress in a bed without soft pillows, blankets or toys. The environment should be free of anything that could cover the baby's face and make breathing difficult.

2. The right temperature

The room temperature in the bedroom should be pleasantly cool, ideally between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. Overheating can increase the risk of SIDS, so your baby should not be dressed too warmly. 
the right bed

There are various options for the cot, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

  • Co-sleeper: A co-sleeper is attached to the parents' bed. It offers closeness and security and your baby is always supervised without the risk of rolling over in the parents' bed. You can also easily reach your baby in a co-sleeper to feed it or rock it to sleep.
  • Cradle: A cradle that stands next to the parents' bed is often smaller than the co-sleeper. This option is often mobile so that your baby can sleep in the same cot during the day and at night.
  • Cot bed: A cot bed is a long-term solution that offers your baby space even when he or she gets bigger and more mobile.

My recommendation for the initial sleeping situation is a co-sleeper that stands right next to your bed - this way you are very close to your baby and it feels safe and secure. A baby bed that grows with your child, such as the 4 in 1 growing baby bed from Nani Berlin, can give your child a feeling of security and continuity. Your baby will get used to the cot right from the start, making the transition to a cot and junior bed easier and potentially reducing sleep challenges.A baby cot that grows with your child also gives you a flexible solution that can be adapted to your child's sleeping needs.

Regardless of the choice, the cot should be stable and safe and comply with current safety standards. Not all bed manufacturers have their cots tested for safety, so pay close attention to the manufacturer's specifications.

4. Co-sleeping: pros and cons

Co-sleeping, i.e. sharing the bed with your baby, is a controversial topic.Those in favour argue that it strengthens the bond and makes night-time breastfeeding easier.Critics, on the other hand, warn of the risks, such as suffocation and overheating. If parents decide in favour of co-sleeping, strict safety precautions must be taken:The bed should be firm and level, the baby should not be placed between the parents, and there should be no cuddly toys, bed snakes or lots of pillows in the bed.

Parents should always sleep with their head level with the baby.

My recommendation and experience as a sleep coach is to get your baby used to their own co-sleeper or cot right from the start. Your baby is very close to you and it is safe - these are the two most important factors for me as a sleep coach. And secondly, you get your baby used to the right sleeping environment and their bed straight away. 

5. Calming and low-stimulus environment

Calm and subdued lighting can help to soothe your baby and create a relaxed sleeping environment.A night-time nursing light that only emits a low level of brightness can be practical.White noise or soothing music can also be helpful in lulling your baby to sleep.Try to make the sleeping environment as calming as possible.

In summary

The ideal sleeping environment for a newborn should be safe, calm and comfortable. Parents should inform themselves well and find the best solution for their family.It is important that your baby sleeps in a safe environment where they can be monitored, but still get enough rest and relaxation.Every family is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but safety should always be a top priority.