Sleep safety for baby
Pillows and blankets seem like cute crib additions, but they may also make your baby's sleep environment hazardous. Find out what else can make your baby's sleep safe or unsafe.
Sleep safe baby! Reducing sleep risks for infants
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a leading cause of death for babies between 1 and 12 months old. But you can take action to reduce the risk of SIDS. Creating a safe environment can help protect your baby from this and other dangers.
So what makes a sleeping space safe—or unsafe—for a baby?
Safe:
Put your baby to sleep on a firm mattress.
Place your baby on his or her back—never the stomach—for all sleep, including naps and daytime sleep.
Dress your baby in a light, 1-piece sleeper.
Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet only. Make sure there's no space between it and the crib sheet.
Use a crib that meets current federal safety standards. Not sure if yours does? This page can help
Unsafe:
Don't let your baby get too hot during sleep. Sweating, rapid breathing and flushed cheeks are signs your baby is too warm.
Never smoke around your baby. Don't let anyone else smoke around your baby.
Don't put blankets, quilts or other bedding, like sheepskins, in the crib. They could make your baby too warm during sleep—or lead to suffocation.
Don't put pillows or stuffed toys in the crib that could cause breathing problems if they get too close to a baby's face. Also avoid wedges, positioners and other products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Don't use crib bumpers. There is no evidence to support the claim that these products prevent injuries. In fact, they are known to cause serious injuries and death.
For safety's sake
For complete information and guidelines on safe sleeping for infants, visit the "Safe to Sleep" campaign page from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Visit "Safe to Sleep"
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. "Choosing a Crib." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/Choosing-a-Crib.aspx.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. "How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. "Playing Outside in Winter: Tips to Keep Kids Warm and Safe." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Winter-Safety.aspx.
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. "Fast Facts About SIDs." https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/safesleepbasics/SIDS/fastfacts.
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Interactive Room Text Alternative." https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/resources/caregivers/environment/room_txt_alternative.
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. "Ways to Reduce Baby's Risk." https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/safesleepbasics/risk/reduce.
The Nurse Family Partnership is a program that provides a specially trained nurse to help first-time mothers during pregnancy and after the baby is born, through the baby's second birthday.
The nurse helps first time parents learn things like:
- How to be healthy so the baby is born healthy
- How to be the best parent for the new baby
- How to plan for her future, including future pregnancies, education and work
During the program, moms and nurses may talk about things like:
- Health and child development
- Making the home a safe place for a baby
- Setting goals for life
- How to access services that are available
- Build a strong network of support for themselves and their baby
Services are covered by local agency funding and state/federal grants. Referrals can be made by primary care providers, community agencies, and individuals by contacting us at 509.941.4561 or by email at sandraso@yvfwc.org
If you have a concern about your child's development, talk to your primary care physician about a referral or start by taking this simple online developmental screening or call Children's Village at 509.574.3200 or 800.745.1077.