Health care providers and researchers don’t know the exact causes of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but they do know ways to reduce its risk. Around 3,500 babies in the U.S. die unexpectedly each year during sleep, mainly from SIDS or accidental suffocation.
Ensuring a safe sleep environment for your baby is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related incidents. Updated safe sleep guidelines have been released, offering new and existing recommendations to help prevent these deaths.
These guidelines apply to babies up to 1 year old. Consult your pediatrician for any questions about these recommendations.
11 Safe Sleep Practices for Babies
While there’s no sure way to prevent SIDS, creating a safe sleep environment can reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS and prevent accidental suffocation and strangulation.
Our safe sleep guidelines help protect babies from these dangers, lowering the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths. Here are some tips to create a safe sleep environment:
1. The ABC's of Safe Sleep
To reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths, follow these simple and effective guidelines:
- Alone: Babies should always sleep on their own sleep surface to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDS) and other sleep-related deaths. It’s recommended to keep your baby’s sleep area in the same room where you sleep until they are at least 6 months old. This allows for easier monitoring and feeding without the risks associated with bed-sharing.
- Back: Always place your baby on their back at bedtime and nap time. Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of SIDS than those who sleep on their stomachs or sides. Even babies with reflux should sleep on their backs.
- Crib: Use a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered with a fitted sheet. Avoid surfaces that are inclined or angled more than 10 degrees. Ensure the crib is free of soft bedding like blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and toys.
2. Avoid Overheating
Do not cover your baby’s head and monitor their temperature to ensure they do not get too hot. Signs of overheating include sweating or a hot chest. Dress your baby in layers and use a sleep sack or wearable blanket instead of loose blankets.
3. No Smoking or Nicotine
Do not smoke or use nicotine during pregnancy, and avoid smoking around your baby. Also, avoid alcohol and illegal drugs during pregnancy and after your baby is born.
4. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. Aim to feed your baby breastmilk, and visit your healthcare provider regularly for checkups and vaccinations.
5. Pacifier Use
Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime to help reduce the risk of SIDS. If breastfeeding, wait until it is well-established before introducing a pacifier.
6. Skin-to-Skin Contact
Place newborns skin-to-skin with a parent as soon after birth as possible, for at least an hour. When not in skin-to-skin contact, place them on their back in a bassinet.
7. Safe Sleep Surface
If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, infant carrier, or sling, move them to a firm sleep surface on their back as soon as possible.
In emergencies, temporary use of a box, basket, or drawer with firm padding is acceptable until a CPSC-approved sleep surface is available.
8. Separate Sleeping
Never sleep with your baby in the same bed. The risk of sleep-related infant death increases significantly in shared sleep spaces, especially on couches or soft chairs.
9. Tummy Time
Ensure supervised tummy time while your baby is awake to promote motor development and prevent flat head syndrome.
10. Safe Swaddling
Swaddle your baby safely by placing them on their back and ensuring the swaddle is not too tight. Stop swaddling once your baby shows signs of trying to roll over.
11. Avoid Unproven Products
Steer clear of products that claim to reduce SIDS risk without evidence. Avoid home cardiorespiratory monitors as they do not reduce SIDS risk.
Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe
Ensuring a safe sleep environment for your baby is crucial in reducing the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers.
Regularly consulting with your healthcare provider for advice and updates on best practices is also essential to protect your baby during their critical early months. By following these guidelines, you can create a safer setting for your infant.
For more comprehensive baby care tips and expert advice, visit Moon Mystical and stay informed about the best practices for your baby’s well-being.