Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is one of the leading causes of death among babies. While nothing can completely prevent SIDS, following safe sleep practices through your baby's first birthday can greatly reduce the risk. Follow the ABCDs of safe sleep for all sleep times, including naps.
A: Alone
Your baby should sleep alone in their crib. Keep soft objects, toys, crib bumpers and loose blankets out of their sleep space, as all of these items could be a cause of suffocation. While room sharing with your baby is encouraged, bed sharing with your baby is not safe.
B: Back
Place your baby on their back for sleep — not on their side or on their belly. A baby sleeping on their belly has a much higher risk of choking than a baby sleeping on their back.
C: Crib
Your baby should sleep in a crib or bassinet on a firm, flat mattress. Avoid allowing your baby to sleep in a swing, car seat or on an inclined surface.
D: Don’t Smoke
Don’t smoke around your baby or allow others to smoke around your baby, as secondhand smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
You should practice safe sleep anywhere and anytime your baby is sleeping, whether it be nap time, night time, at home or at a grandparent’s or babysitter's home.
At Progress West Hospital, the goal is to help all babies reach their first birthday, and they need our help in keeping them protected from factors that increase their risk for SIDS. That’s why it’s a priority to educate families about safe sleep. In addition to modeling safe sleep practices, parents are provided educational resources through a QR code so it’s readily available and can easily be shared with friends and family. Every baby is given a newborn swaddle or wearable blanket to keep them warm without the need for other blankets in their crib. If a family doesn’t have a safe place for their baby to sleep at home, Progress West Hospital has assistance programs available to provide a portable crib to ensure every baby can sleep safely.
Heather Decker, RN, is clinical nurse manager of women, infants and pediatric services at Progress West Hospital. For more information, please call 636.928.WELL.
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