Keep infants safe during sleep
Few things make you value sleep more than when you have a new baby.
While there's no magic wand or product to help your child sleep through the night, parents can take steps to be sure their babies are safe every time they sleep, whether it's naptime or nighttime.
“Every parent wants to keep their baby safe,” said Dr. Rachel Moon, lead author of the AAP policy statement on preventing SIDS and other infant sleep-related infant deaths. “We want to be sure families understand what research tells us about where and how to safely prepare babies for sleep, whether they are at home or with a child-care provider or when traveling.”
Every year, more than 3,600 babies in the U.S. die while sleeping, including from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation or strangulation.
Many of these deaths can be prevented by following some basic guidelines.
For infants up to 1 year old, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies should sleep alone in their own crib, play yard or bassinet on a firm, flat mattress with a taut sheet. The bed surface should be clutter-free, with no blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, stuffed animals or other objects.
Place your baby on their back for every sleep, and keep your baby's bassinet, play yard or crib in your room for the first six to 12 months. Make sure the baby is not overheated during sleep time. Do not swaddle your baby if he or she shows signs of rolling over.
Room-sharing with baby decreases the risk of SIDS and makes it easier to feed, comfort and watch the baby — but parents should never share a bed with a baby. Breastfeeding also can reduce the risk of SIDS and has many additional health benefits. If a mother does decide to breastfeed a baby in her bed, she should return the baby to his or her own sleep space when she is ready to fall asleep.
Experts also warn against placing a baby to sleep on a couch, sofa or armchair. Infants should not be exposed to smoke during pregnancy and after birth.
Other recommendations include:
• To choose a safe sleep space for babies, look for a crib, bassinet or play yard that conforms to the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Look for slat spacing less than 2⅜ inches, snugly fitting and firm mattresses and no drop sides on the crib.
• Babies should not routinely sleep in car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers and infant slings. Some of these products keep the baby in a position where their breathing could be compromised while sleeping.
• Be wary of other products or devices that are marketed as places for babies to sleep, such as infant sleep positioners, inclined sleepers or products with padded or pillowlike bolsters or wedges. Just because it is sold in a store or online does not mean it has been tested for safety. Recently, inclined sleepers were recalled after they were associated with infant deaths.
The AAP offers additional resources for parents at HealthyChildren.org, including Charlie's Story, told by parents who seek to prevent tragedies like their son's death, at www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Safe-Sleep-Charlies-Story.aspx.
• Children's health is a continuing series. This week's article is courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics. To check out more information, visit HealthyChildren.org.