(HealthDay News) -- Newborn babies shouldn't be expected to sleep through the night. Their bodies are so tiny that they should be awakened if they haven't eaten for at least five hours, the Nemours Foundation says.

But there are things that new parents can do to help ensure a safe night's rest for their little one. The foundation offers these suggestions:

• Put baby to sleep on his or her back to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Don't let baby sleep with plush bedding, blankets or pillows.
• Remove stuffed animals from baby's crib when it's bedtime.
• Each night, alternate which side of his or her head your baby sleeps on, to prevent development of a "flat spot" on a favored side of the head.

• More News on Infant and Newborn Care
• More News on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

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• Infant and Newborn Care
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome