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Forbes
6 days ago
- General
- Forbes
How Do You Get A Newborn To Sleep In A Bassinet?
Getting my babies to actually sleep in their bassinets was one of the most unexpectedly frustrating things I faced as a new parent. Babies sleep a lot, but they can take some convincing to sleep anywhere but on top of you. Though it can be difficult, it is possible to get a newborn to sleep in their bassinet, and we gathered some tips from a certified sleep consultant and a pediatrician to help all you bleary-eyed caregivers. Getting a baby to sleep in their bassinet often requires plenty of patience and practice. Many of the things that make sleep safe for babies can also make it difficult. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), parents are encouraged to place their baby flat on their back in a bassinet or crib with a firm crib mattress, including by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Extra items like blankets, pillows and stuffed animals can pose a suffocation and strangulation hazard, so babies should sleep in their bassinets alone using a swaddle, sleep sack or pacifier without any extra comfort items like stuffies and loose blankets. This also means lying in a bassinet probably won't feel as cozy as being nestled against their parent's chest. 'Think about it: in the womb, they are constantly being held and cradled, gently moving with their mother,' says Rachael Shepard-Ohta, a certified sleep consultant and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. 'It's one of the most primal and basic instincts for infants to want to stay close to their caregiver. It's literally hardwired for them to attach to us immediately for their own survival. When you think about it this way, sleeping on a separate surface seems pretty unnatural.' Here are some reasons your baby might be struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep in their bassinet. 'I often validate my patient families' concerns that following these safe sleep recommendations seems to make it harder to sleep,' says Dr. Christopher Culler, associate chief of pediatrics at Nemours Children's Health. 'It is true that it is often easier for a baby to sleep on their stomach than on their back,' he says—but that doesn't make it safe. Other factors can make your baby feel uncomfortable, too, including a dirty diaper, hunger and temperature. Babies lose heat more quickly than adults, so they might be cold even if you're comfortable. On the flip side, sometimes parents overcompensate and dress their baby too warmly for sleep. (Discover more tips on how to dress your baby for sleep.) If you've had the distinct displeasure of having heartburn while you were pregnant with your baby (or if you've ever experienced heartburn at all), you know how uncomfortable and downright painful it can be. For a baby who is experiencing everything for the first time, feeling stomach acid creep up and burn their chest while they're lying down can not only be painful but scary, too. They don't know what is happening; all they know is they are in pain and away from you. Babies are used to being warm, close to you and hearing your heartbeat at all times. When they're suddenly thrust into the world and expected to sleep alone, this can be difficult. 'A common myth I hear about a baby's seeming unwillingness to sleep in their bassinets is that they are trying to 'manipulate' their caregivers into holding them. This couldn't be further from the truth. Infants aren't capable of manipulation, they simply have needs,' says Shepard-Ohta. Most babies want nothing more than to be snuggled up to you, so it's natural that they might protest sleeping in their bassinet. That super cute reflex that causes your baby's arms to fly out to the sides can also make it more difficult for them to sleep in their bassinet. This can be triggered by loud sounds or by sudden motion changes, like when you lower them into their bassinet. Though getting your baby to sleep in their bassinet can feel next to impossible, there are a lot of strategies that can help. As a mom of 3-year-old twins, there were times in the early days when I felt like I would never sleep again. However, many of these tips helped me as I learned how to support my babies so that they—and I—could get some quality rest. Shepard-Ohta recommends trying low-pressure practice. 'This means offering the nap in the bassinet, but not forcing it or getting too attached to it. Think of each nap as an opportunity for practice. If they sleep for five minutes in the bassinet, great! Maybe they'll go for longer tomorrow,' she says. Sleepy cues are signs that your baby gives you to tell you they're tired. These can include yawning, rubbing their eyes and staring into space. Some parents even notice their baby's eyebrows get red when they're sleepy. 'If you catch the timing just right, your baby will resist a little less. We want that zone where they're sleepy but not overly tired and fussy,' says Shepard-Ohta. 'When they get to this point, you can offer a feeding, rock to sleep and transfer them down or try placing them down in their bassinet before they are fully asleep. Don't be discouraged if they don't fall asleep on their own, though, that's normal.' Your baby loves nothing more than you, and one way to make them feel more safe and comfortable in their bassinet is to make it smell like you. Shepard-Ohta recommends sleeping with their bassinet sheet or their swaddle for a few nights so these items smell like you. Because a swaddle gently secures your baby's arms, it can help prevent the startle reflex from waking them up. It also feels cozy and secure. Just be sure to stop swaddling once they show signs that they're going to roll over. As an adult, there are probably things you do before bed that signal to your brain that it's almost time to sleep, whether that's brushing your teeth or doing your skincare routine. Routines are key for babies, too, letting them know that it's time to wind down for sleep. For a baby, this might include reading a baby book or singing a lullaby while rocking them or stroking their head. It can be hard for babies to sleep when their environment isn't conducive to sleep. Though many newborns can sleep through almost anything, setting up a calming environment from the start can be helpful. Consider playing white noise, dimming the lights and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature. When possible, it can also be helpful to keep the room free from distractions like pets, other kids and noises from other areas of the house. If your baby is already sleeping or close to being asleep when you set them in their bassinet, sudden movements can trigger their startle reflex. Before setting your baby down, try holding them upright for at least 15 minutes if they have recently eaten. This can help prevent them from spitting up once you set them down. When it's time to put your baby down, Shepard-Ohta recommends lowering them down at an angle with their butt first before lowering their back and head. You can also try keeping your hand on their chest for a few minutes after you set them down. If your baby wakes up when you try to set them down or after they've already been asleep for a bit, you might be able to soothe them back to sleep by picking them back up and rocking them or placing your hand on their chest. Though it's very common for babies to struggle to sleep in their bassinet, sometimes there is an underlying medical condition that is making sleep more difficult. 'Ruling out potential red flags like feeding issues, reflux or fussiness can also be helpful to make sure your baby isn't actually uncomfortable or in pain when they are lying flat in their bassinet,' says Shepard-Ohta. Sometimes, babies have trouble sleeping when they're sick or have an ear infection, too. For most babies, struggling to sleep alone in the bassinet is nothing to be concerned about. However, if you are worried that your baby might have more going on, check in with their pediatrician. The Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear team is comprised of parents who have decades of experience writing and editing parenting content. In addition to testing and reviewing products like the best travel cribs, we also provide education to parents, like whether you should buy a bassinet or a crib. Why Won't My Newborn Sleep In Their Bassinet? Common reasons that newborns struggle to sleep in bassinets include discomfort, desire for closeness, their startle reflex and acid reflux. Safe sleep practices can make it difficult for some newborns to sleep, too. These include placing your baby to sleep on their back in a bare bassinet. When they're used to constant motion and closeness, this transition can be difficult. What To Do If A Newborn Only Sleeps When Held? To help a newborn who only sleeps when held, try practicing just one nap per day in their bassinet. Even a short nap is a win. You can also try sleeping with their sheets to make them smell like you, establishing a consistent sleep routine and swaddling your baby. How Can I Get My Baby To Sleep In Their Bassinet Without A Swaddle? To transition away from the swaddle, which is important to do once they're showing signs of rolling, you can try making the change gradually. Start swaddling them with one arm out for a few nights and then both arms out. You can also try using a sleep sack instead of a swaddle, which is still warm and cozy but doesn't restrict their arms.
Medscape
30-05-2025
- General
- Medscape
Pediatricians: Stop Atopic Dermatitis With ‘Proactive' Rx
Pediatricians should consider treating children with atopic dermatitis (AD) 'proactively,' according to a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP defines proactive care as an 'evidence-based' approach based on 'intermittent use of anti-inflammatory agents (eg, topical corticosteroids or tacrolimus twice weekly) on previously affected skin to prevent flares' of AD. The group also recommends newer agents like the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which may have fewer side effects than long-term steroid use and are more effective than older drugs. The report comes as patients experience long waits for referrals to pediatric dermatologists, said Jennifer Schoch, MD, a professor of dermatology at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, who helped write the document. The recommendations may help primary care clinicians more confidently identify and treat mild to moderate cases of AD, she said. 'Pediatricians play a critical role in initiating topical treatments, educating families, and supporting quality of life,' Schoch said. 'With a proactive approach to topical therapies and an understanding that atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition requiring an ongoing management plan, most cases can be effectively handled in primary care.' JAK inhibitors may be particularly beneficial for treating sensitive areas of the body, supporting patients who have not responded to traditional therapies, and aiding in long-term treatment. Topical JAK 'treatments offer targeted anti-inflammatory effects, which adds to our toolbox, particularly to mitigate concerns about risks of long-term steroid use,' Schoch said. The AAP also now recommends applying topical corticosteroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors proactively to prevent flares. In recent research, patients who were preventively treated with topical steroids experienced a reduction in disease severity and an improved quality of life. The proactive use of nonsteroid topical agents produced similar results. Soft Skills to Build Moisturization and avoidance of triggers like harsh detergents and low humidity continue to be mainstays of maintenance care. Patients should be moisturized using a fragrance-free, thick cream after bathing and handwashing. The AAP advises daily, short baths in lukewarm water and the use of wet wraps and bleach baths. The report emphasized the psychosocial burden of AD in children. AD is associated with mental health issues like stress, depression, and insomnia in children. The recurring, ongoing nature of the disease can place a heavy emotional and economic burden on the entire family, Schoch said. 'Atopic dermatitis can significantly disrupt sleep due to relentless itching, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and behavioral challenges in children,' Schoch said. 'The disease may affect school performance, peer relationships, and self-esteem, while caregivers report high levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression.' The new report recommends cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients with mental health concerns and progressive muscle relaxation, sleep hygiene management, and melatonin to reduce insomnia. The use of written action plans may help families follow through with treatment strategies and are 'excellent tool for primary care providers to help explain to patients the stepwise approach of the disease,' said Daniela Russi, MD, a pediatric dermatologist at Phoenix Children's in Phoenix, who was not involved with the report. These plans help 'pediatricians evaluate all aspects of the treatment…in addition to providing proactive ways to prevent flare-ups.' 'This guideline is helpful in showing pediatricians that they are capable of treating mild to moderate atopic dermatitis patients,' Russi said. 'Most of the patients we see in the clinic come without any knowledge of basic skin care, frequency of baths, and use of the correct moisturizers, especially bleach baths and wet wraps.' Schoch reported financial relationships with Janssen Biotech and Exactech. Russi reported having no disclosures. No external funding for the clinical report was used.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Bassinet Vs. Crib: Which Is Best For A Baby?
Bassinets and cribs are both safe sleep spaces for babies. They provide a firm, flat surface for the essential sleep your baby needs, which is about 16 or 17 hours per day for the average newborn, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). While bassinets are designed specifically for newborns and young infants, cribs can be used for newborns, older babies and even toddlers. As long as your baby is small enough to safely sleep in a bassinet, determining which is best is a matter of preference, budget and space. 'Bassinets are a smaller sleep space designed specifically for newborns,' says Dr. Barbara Taylor-Cox, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann. They're often designed to be in the parent's or caregivers' bedroom, and they can also be found on travel cribs, pack and plays and strollers. Most bassinets are only safe for babies until around 6 months. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets, though you can purchase a smaller mini crib as well. Because they're bigger and the mattress can be lowered, cribs can be used for years, while most babies outgrow even the best bassinets within a few months. To help you determine which is best for you, here are some pros and cons of each. Pros Cons Pros Cons Bassinets and cribs are both safe sleep spaces for babies. However, bassinets can become an unsafe space more quickly than cribs. Many babies outgrow bassinets around four to six months, often when they reach 15 to 20 pounds or when they are able to roll over, at which point the surface becomes unsafe. When it comes to cribs, safety and use can be extended by simply lowering the mattress once your baby starts to roll or pull up. Many cribs have three mattress height settings. 'The thing to remember with both bassinets and cribs is always check the safety specifications that are on the product that you buy because there may be a little variability. Those specifications will give you the weight and length limits for mattresses,' says Taylor-Cox. It's important to make sure you use the right crib mattress size for your crib, too, since cribs and mattresses are usually sold separately. When choosing a bassinet, be sure to choose one that provides your baby with their own sleep space. 'The bassinet should be self-contained, not a co-sleeping item or bed extender,' says Culler. Although it can be tempting to sleep with your baby, it's not considered a safe practice. 'You can lay down with your baby, you can do all that wonderful stuff, but do not fall asleep with your baby in your bed or next to you. Unfortunantely, there's always the risk of a very tired parent rolling onto their baby,' says Taylor-Cox. Regardless of which you choose, use a tightly fitted sheet, and don't put anything else in their sleep space—no blankets, pillows, stuffies or bumpers. When you set your baby down, always put them on their back. These are all ways to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Ultimately, if you have the means to use a bassinet first for your newborn and then a crib when your baby outgrows it, that's often the best option. 'My recommendation is to use both—bassinet for the first several months and a crib thereafter,' says Culler. If you need to squeeze a safe sleep area into a tight space, a bassinet is probably your best bet. However, if space is not a concern, you can start with a crib and skip the bassinet altogether if you want. For newborns and very small babies, a bassinet is a good investment. 'We typically use a bassinet for newborns until about six months of age, or the rule of thumb that we use [as pediatricians] is when the baby starts to roll over, then you need to move on to a crib and get them out of the bassinet,' says Taylor-Cox. If your baby is already nearing 15 pounds or is starting to show signs of rolling, then it might be best to skip the bassinet altogether since they'll likely outgrow it soon. In the long run, choosing a crib will save you money since it reduces the amount of baby gear you need to buy. While bassinets are often more affordable than cribs, your baby will still eventually need a crib even if they start off in a bassinet. 'The main thing I want to add for parents is it's not time to bargain shop when it comes to cribs and/or bassinets,' says Taylor-Cox. She explained that a used crib may not be safe. It may have unseen damage and may not meet the most recent safety standards. If you need to save money, the best way to do that is to only buy one product and make it a good crib. 'A lot of cribs can be lowered and converted to toddler beds, which is really economically feasible,' says Taylor-Cox. If you want something small that allows you to keep your newborn in your bedroom, a bassinet is the best choice. If you're looking for a one-time purchase that your baby can sleep in well past their first birthday, opt for a crib. 'Parents should remember both bassinets and cribs are safe. If you're lucky enough to have a bassinet then we say start in the bassinet, but a bassinet isn't required like a crib is,' says Taylor-Cox. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted has combined decades of experience in both parenting our own kids and covering parenting topics. As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to make the right decisions for our babies when it comes to major purchases like bassinets, cribs and crib mattresses.
The Guardian
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Republican cuts to food and health benefits ‘will kill', advocacy groups warn
Advocacy groups associated with the left are urging some Republicans not to go along with a plan to cut health and food benefits to the poor. The lobbying campaign comes as Democrats are nearly powerless to stop the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' act – a 1,100-page package of Donald Trump's legislative priorities, from deporting migrants to building a border wall. Republicans hold majorities in both the House and Senate. 'Pediatricians are losing sleep at night over this program,' said Dr Sue Kressly, the president of American Academy of Pediatrics, in a press call on Tuesday. 'There are going to be short-term impacts where we really see hungry kids and the impact on their growth trajectory,' she continued, 'and then medium-term impacts, in which you stress the entire family and the family has to make decisions about – 'Do I pay for food? Do I pay for safe housing? Do I pay for visits to the doctors?'' Some of the most controversial provisions in the bill, and which have drawn scrutiny even from Republicans, include cutting billions of dollars in food and health benefits to the poor to offset the new Trump programs and an extension of tax cuts to well-off Americans. Although the 'beautiful bill' left the most controversial cuts on the table, it would still make major changes to federal health and food assistance programs called Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), known colloquially as 'food stamps'. Medicaid is a public health insurance program for the low-income, disabled and elderly that insures roughly 71 million Americans. In just one example of its impact, the program pays for nearly half of all births in the US. Snap or 'food stamps' provides extra cash for groceries to 42 million low-income Americans, and is a lifeline for many to purchase nutritious foods, which tend to be more expensive. On Tuesday, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its latest 'score' of the bill, finding that it would cut $698bn from Medicaid and $267bn from food assistance. At the same time, tax cuts would add $3.8tn to the national debt. The CBO also found that the changes would reduce resources to the poorest 10% of Americans by 4%, and increase household resources to the richest 10% of Americans by a roughly equivalent amount, though the changes would differ slightly in timing because cuts take full effect in 2033. An analysis from the non-partisan group the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget found similar results, and described the Republican bill as moving 'in the wrong fiscal direction' in a statement. For Medicaid, cuts would be made by adding work requirements to the program, including a requirement that some beneficiaries prove they are working at the time they apply – a hurdle many groups argue would be difficult for sick Americans. Multiple studies have shown that adding work requirements to Medicaid forces beneficiaries off the program, while doing little to push people into the workforce, the provision's stated goal. On Snap, Republicans would cut the program by requiring states to pay between 5% and 25% of the benefits of the program. Such a change would represent the biggest cut in the program's six-decade history. Although states split the cost of administering the program with the federal government, the feds have always paid for the entire cost of benefits. With Republicans holding both chambers, left-leaning groups are now seeking to exploit cracks in Republican unity, particularly targeting those in moderate districts. On Wednesday, Reproductive Freedom for All announced it would buy ads attacking Republicans in Arizona, Colorado, New York and Virginia for their support of the bill. 'As a nurse living in rural south-eastern Ohio, I see friends, neighbors and family members who rely on Medicaid for everything from cancer treatment to lifesaving medications,' said Rick Lucas, president and executive director of the Ohio Nurses Association, in a statement. 'These cuts won't just hurt – they will kill.' Although unrelated to the bill in timing, the proposed cuts have come at the same time as a large new study, which found that Obama-era expansions of Medicaid have probably saved 27,000 lives since 2010. Republicans are aiming to pass the bill out of the chamber by Memorial Day – the upcoming Monday holiday. Members have pushed to do so, scheduling a rule committee meeting at 1am on Wednesday, a move Democrats criticized as hearing the bill under cover of darkness. 'When I was a teen, my late mother would often say nothing good happens after midnight,' the ranking rules committee Democrat, Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, said. 'Now I know what she meant.' However, the rift within the party cuts both ways. Some Republican deficit hawks are arguing cuts to social programs don't go far or fast enough. The divisions led Trump to visit Capitol Hill on Tuesday to urge Republican House members to 'land the plane', in the words of House Republican Dusty Johnson, of South Dakota. Trump administration officials also continue to zealously defend the bill. The health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, argued on Tuesday that: 'There's only 8.5 million people affected by this … The remaining are able-bodied male workers who refuse to get a job, who refuse to even meet the minimal thresholds.' The secretary has repeatedly stated the cuts are to stop 'waste, fraud and abuse'. The CBO that found more than 13 million people would probably lose insurance in coming years because of the changes, including coverage losses from Obamacare. Sharon Parrot, president of the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said in a press call that Republicans had 'done all they can to portray the people hurt as anything but what they are – people in our communities'.
