In this blog post, we will examine the difference between cuddling and snuggling your baby, as well as other important tips for the welfare and development of your baby
Difference between cuddle and snuggle
The following words describe two different ways in which you can provide comfort for your baby. Even though it may seem that the two words (in the cuddle vs snuggle debate) have the same meaning, there is a slight difference between them.
A cuddle is defined as close physical contact where you gently hold or touch your baby.
As for snuggling, it’s when you place your baby in a fetal position against your chest and hold them tightly, providing warmth and security.
So, what’s the difference? Well, Cuddling is more gentle and relaxed, while snuggling is more firm and secure.
Benefits of cuddling or snuggling my baby?
Snuggle Cuddle help develop a baby’s sense of trust in their caregiver, which is important for them to grow up healthy. It also helps the baby feel safe and secure when they don’t have anybody else around.
So, if you’re looking for a way to comfort your little one, give cuddling or snuggling a try. You may find that your baby prefers one over the other, but either way, they’ll benefit from it.
An important piece of advice:
Parents are advised not to place their babies in sleep positioners by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration. These products, also known as nests and anti-roll devices, can lead to suffocation–the struggle to breathe, which can be fatal.
Safety Tips For Babies
In addition to keeping your baby happy and loved, it’s also vital that you provide your baby with a safe environment, so here are some safety tips you should follow:
👉Room-sharing without bed-sharing
Room-sharing without bed-sharing is associated with a decreased risk of SIDS. However, it is still safest for babies under 12 months old to sleep in the same room as their parents, but on a separate surface designed for infants, such as a crib or bassinet.
If you choose to have your baby sleep in your room, you should take some precautions to keep them safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing the infant’s cot at an arm’s length from the parents’ bed.
👉Do not use soft bedding
Soft surfaces, such as pillows and quilts, significantly increase the risk of SIDS. The AAP recommended that loose bedding and soft objects should not be left near babies, since they can cause them to suffocate inadvertently.
👉Do not share a bed with your baby
Sleeping with your baby in the same bed increases the risk of SIDS. Keep your child in the same room as you, but in his or her own crib, within an arms reach of you.
👉Use a pacifier
You should wait around three to four weeks before you give your baby a pacifier. According to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, pacifiers should be introduced after your baby has become accustomed to breastfeeding and when a nursing routine has been established
👉Breastfeed your baby
Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding also helps to protect your baby from a variety of illnesses, including ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia.
👉Do not smoke during pregnancy and after birth
Smoking is another prominent risk factors for SIDS. Smokers need to stop smoking before, during, and after their baby’s birth, and also avoid exposing their baby to second-hand smoke.
👉Do not get too hot or cold while sleeping
It is important to keep your baby’s room at a temperature that is comfortable for you. Dress your infant in no more than one layer more than an adult would wear in the same room. If you are unsure whether the temperature is suitable, dress your baby lightly and place him or her on his or her back to sleep.
👉Avoid letting your baby overheat while sleeping
Babies should never be allowed to overheat during sleep. To avoid this, stay away from heavy blankets and quilts, which can trap your baby’s body heat and cause him or her to sweat profusely during the night. Also, make sure that clothing does not restrict the movement of arms and legs.
Safety Tips against SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of a seemingly healthy infant under one year of age. SIDS usually occurs during sleep and is attributed to biological changes in an infant’s brain or heart rate. A child who dies from SIDS typically has no symptoms leading up to death which is why it can be difficult to diagnose. SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants aged one to twelve months, accounting for more deaths than all other causes combined.
While there is no specific cure for SIDS, there are several measures that can be taken to reduce its risk. The following are a few of these measures:
👉Do not put anything in your baby’s crib that could obstruct their breathing, such as pillows or blankets.
👉Make sure your baby’s sleeping environment is cool and dark.
👉Do not let your baby sleep on their stomach or side. They should always sleep on their back.
👉Monitor your baby’s sleep habits and look out for any changes in their breathing patterns.
👉As a rule, your baby should always be placed on his or her back while sleeping. Sleeping on their side or stomach can increase the risk of SIDS. When breastfeeding your baby, you must make sure you do not fall asleep with your baby in your arms. These can increase the risk of suffocating the baby.
👉 Make sure that all of your baby’s bedding is firm and tight-fitting, with no loose sheets or blankets. The same goes for pillows – they should be kept out of the crib. Pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, blankets, quilts, etc should also be away from the crib.
Safety tips for babies in cribs
When preparing a crib for your baby, it is imperative to follow all safety instructions that come with it. Listed below are some tips to keep your baby safe in his or her crib:
👉 Place the crib in an area that is free of hazards, such as windows, cords, and furniture.
👉 Make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib.
👉 Use a firm mattress that is covered with a fitted sheet.
👉 Do not place any objects in the crib that could pose a hazard to your baby, such as pillows, blankets, quilts, stuffed animals, or bumpers
👉 Be sure to remove all mobiles and toys from the crib when your baby starts to push up on hands and knees. This is when babies start to become curious and can get themselves into trouble.
👉 Make sure that all hardware on the crib is securely fastened so that it is not loose or missing pieces.
👉 Make sure that the mattress support and frame are stable and can’t be tipped over.
👉 Clean your crib regularly to prevent dust build-up. Dust mites can cause allergic reactions as well as respiratory problems such as asthma as your baby gets older.
👉 Do not place the crib near a window where direct sunlight may hit the crib for an extended period, because it can warp the wood and damage paint finishes on both metal and wooden cribs. Keep curtains closed during sunny days to avoid this problem from occurring.
