What is Safe Sleep for Babies?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the diagnosis given for the sudden death of an infant younger than one year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation. SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age. Most SIDS deaths occur between the ages of two and four months.

While the cause of SIDS is unknown, there are many steps you can take to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death, including providing a safe sleep environment.

What does a Safe Sleep environment look like?

• Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet.
• Do not use pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or crib bumpers anywhere in your baby’s sleep area.
• Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area.
• Do not smoke or let anyone smoke around your baby.
• Make sure nothing covers the baby’s head.
• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night.
• Dress your baby in sleep clothing, such as a one-piece sleeper, and do not use a blanket.
• Baby’s sleep area is next to where parents sleep.
• Baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.

Remember to spread the word!
Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows about Safe Sleep! Tell grandparents, babysitters, friends, childcare providers and anyone who cares for your baby. Some babies don’t like sleeping on their backs at first, but most get used to it quickly. Babies who are on their backs can move their arms and legs and look around more easily.

For more information about Safe Sleep for your baby, please call: 1-800-505-CRIB (2742).

*Source: http://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov