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Make baby sleep on an inclined plane: the point
A well-being during small respiratory and digestive discomforts.
Faced with light snoring or nasal congestion, the infant can be raised to the level of the head, which allows him to breathe better, without being hyperextended. An inclination of 10 to 15 ° is then sufficient. Likewise, when he tends to regurgitate a little milk, once lying down after taking the bottle, it may be advisable to raise his chest so that his head is a little higher than his body. This so-called “proclive” position will prevent or reduce the rise of milk. But don’t go overboard too much. It must be progressive so as not to “fold” the baby in half! As long as you do not exceed 15 °, there is no risk of him slipping to the bottom of the bed and being disturbed during his sleep.
A special case: gastroesophageal reflux.
This inclined position is also favorable for a child who suffers from chronic and severe regurgitation. Corn it must then be prescribed by the doctor, because in the case of GERD, the inclination can reach 30 °! A decision that should not be taken lightly since maintaining a baby who has not yet acquired the sitting position on such a steep incline is not justified without medical reason.
There are several methods and accessories.
Pillows and cushions should be banned in a baby’s bed because they represent a danger if he turns over: the child buries his head in them and risks not being able to free himself. It is therefore better to raise the mattress itself. For example with a simple opening rolled up and placed below. Or provide small, commercially available lifting blocks that attach at the desired height under the foot of the bed, at head level only to create a natural slope. Inclined mattress models with different height differences are also marketed. Know that to reach an inclination of 30 ° if necessary, the use of a particular mattress is essential : It must have a harness or integrated panties to prevent the baby from sliding to the bottom of the bed during his sleep.
Daily precautions.
It is necessary to achieve a gentle and progressive slope, quite inaccessible to the child, and be careful not to create a gap between the wall of the bed and the mattress, where the toddler could get caught. It is also best to reserve belt systems or harnesses for toddlers of a few weeks, who do not yet move naturally while sleeping. Indeed, when he is able to turn or roll over on his own, being tied to the mattress hinders his movements.