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Sleep Safety
There is nothing more beautiful than a sleeping baby, especially for parents who are often tired themselves. By following a few simple sleep safety tips, you can create a safe place for your baby to sleep and nap.
Lay your baby on his or her back for every sleep.
The Facts
3500 infants
In the United States, unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death among children less than one year old, with an estimated 3,500 infants dying yearly from sleep-related deaths.
75%
Nearly three-quarters of suffocation deaths among infants are from accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed.
Common causes of death
include suffocation, entrapment, strangulation, Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS).
Safety Tips
Place babies on their backs for naps and at night until they are 1 year old.
Make sure babies sleep on a firm, flat surface in their crib, bassinet or play yard.
Ensure that the mattress in your baby’s crib is firm and has a well-fitted sheet.
Remove toys, stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, bumper pads and other accessories from the crib.
Babies should not sleep on beds, sofas, recliners, chairs or soft surfaces.
Loose blankets can be unsafe
Instead of using a blanket, dress the baby in a wearable blanket, onesie or similar clothing for sleep. A loose blanket could cover a baby’s airway or make their body temperature too high.
Share your room, but do not share your bed.
Place your baby’s crib or bassinet in your bedroom instead of letting them sleep in the same bed with you.
Do not let your baby sleep in their infant carrier, car seat, bouncy chair or swing.
If they fall asleep in these items, move them to a safe sleep environment.
Avoid swaddling your baby once they start to roll over.
To reduce risk of SIDS...
- Do not use drugs during pregnancy
- Breast feed if you are able to
- Take your baby for regular check-ups with their pediatrician
Crib Safety
Check that your crib meets safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and make sure it has all the right pieces.
Don’t use a crib if:
– A can of soda fits between the slats of a crib, that means a child’s head, hand or foot could get stuck.
– The sides go down.
When assembling the crib
– Ensure you are following the manufacturer’s instruction.
– If you are getting a used crib, check to see if it has been recalled.