Infant deaths due to unsafe sleeping practices can be prevented. Every parent and caregiver needs to be aware and follow these SAFE sleeping guidelines:
- Babies need to sleep alone in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and a well fitted sheet.
- Babies should be put to sleep on their backs during naps and at nighttime.
- Babies should not be placed on their sides to sleep because they may accidentally roll onto their stomachs and suffocate.
- Babies should not sleep on adult beds, chairs, sofas, waterbeds, cushions, or nursing pillows.
By following a few simple Safe Sleep rules, you can help reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS:
Reducing your baby’s risk
- Lay your baby on his/her back while sleeping at night or napping during the day.
- Don’t put stuffed animals, crib bumpers, or other soft bedding in your baby’s crib. Use a firm mattress and tightly fitted bottom sheet.
- If you are worried your baby will be cold, use a sleep sack, but be sure that he/she will not overheat.
- Never expose your baby to any type of smoke.
- Keep baby’s sleeping area close by, but separate from where you sleep.
Never let your baby sleep in your bed, or on a couch or chair.
Won’t my baby get flat spots?
Flat spots occur when there is pressure for too long or too often on the same spot on a baby’s head. Tummy Time can help prevent this from occurring.
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy Time is when your baby is placed on his/her stomach while awake and being supervised. Placing your baby on their stomach helps to strengthen neck muscles.
Learn more about Tummy Time here:
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sts/about/Pages/tummytime.aspx
Where can I learn more about SIDS and Safe Sleep?
What Does Safe Sleep Look Like?
What Does a Safe Crib Look Like?
