We live in a part of the world where sleeping on the floor is common. Just a generation ago, it was not unusual for the entire extended family to retire – slumber party style! – on mattresses or roll-out bedding on the floor when it was time to sleep. Today, our modern houses may contain more bedrooms to accommodate everyone separately, but many families still find this arrangement practical, convenient and even desirable.
Can my baby sleep on the floor?
There is no reason your baby cannot sleep on the floor as long as you take all the necessary measures to create a safe sleep environment for her.
Some ethnic communities discourage the practice of sleeping on the floor as they believe the moisture from the “damp” floor will seep into our bodies and cause rheumatism or arthritis later in life. Current research does not support this theory. In any case, this traditional belief that the floor is somehow inherently “damp” may well stem from the fact that the rural housing of old had cement or mud floors that really were cold and damp, and truly uncomfortable to sleep on!
How can I ensure my baby is safe sleeping on the floor?
Look around the room where your baby will sleep. Ask yourself:
• What will my baby sleep on? Whether your baby sleeps on roll-out bedding or a mattress placed on the floor, it should be firm and flat, with fitted sheets.
• Is the room well-ventilated? In our hot, tropical weather, it is particularly important to ensure that your baby sleeps in a well-ventilated room. If there is no ceiling fan in the room, buy a sitting or standing fan (but do ensure it is not directed straight at your baby). Similarly, ensure your baby is not dressed too warmly for the room or wrapped too snugly. Overheating your baby is linked to an increased risk of cot death.
• What’s on the floor? No carpets, no floor mats, no beanbags, no cosy pillow for the family cat to sleep on. They could suffocate your baby. Besides, dust, dust mites and all manner of mould and fungus love these soft, warm surfaces. Obviously, you will also need to ensure that the room is swept and mopped every single day.
• What’s above the floor? Ensure your baby is placed to sleep far away from floor-length drapes and curtains as well as exposed electrical cords and plugs - if baby is too near any of these, there is a chance she could get tangled up.
• What’s around the sleeping area? Your baby should also be far away from any standing fan or lamp, stereo speakers, chairs and stools or anything that could be knocked over in the night, especially if you are co-sleeping.
• How do I keep the room clear of insects and mosquitoes? Most mosquitoes and insects enter your home at dawn and dusk. So make sure all windows and doors are shut by then. If you need to use electric coils, mats or liquid vapourisers to clear the room of pests, make sure they are switched off before baby goes into the room. Anything that emits fumes when heated may cause allergies and breathing problems. Noxious fumes from insect sprays and foams present similar hazards. For a chemical-free solution, you may wish to consider putting wire mesh or screens on all windows and doors. You could also safely leave baby to sleep within a mosquito net until she is old enough to roll or move about in her sleep. These days, electronic devices that rely on ultrasound and electromagnetic waves to repel pests are also available.
Finally, wherever you choose to put baby down for sleep, do put him to sleep on his back. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect your baby.
What else do I need to consider?
Your baby will get used to whatever you get her used to – as long as you are consistent. Wherever your baby sleeps, it is important to establish a bedtime routine and good sleep habits.
Source: http://www.babycenter.com.my/baby/sleep/floor/
