Safe sleep guidelines you need to know

Written By Kaitie Neely

Did you know that more than 3,500 babies in the U.S. die suddenly every year while sleeping? This is often due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation and strangulation. While the cause of SIDS is unknown, research has shown that creating a safe sleep environment for babies can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS. I always recommend to parents that they should follow my safe sleep guidelines, which is based on the recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  • Place your baby on their back for naps and at night.  

  • Your baby should sleep on a firm mattress, play pen, or bassinet. 

  • A fitted sheet is acceptable, no other bedding or soft objects. No railing covers of any kind, no additional padding or extra pillows in the crib.

  • Do not elevate the crib mattress. Nothing should be placed under the mattress or a fitted crib sheet.

  • Don't overheat your baby. To keep your baby warm, use a sleep sack. Or dress your baby in layers instead of using blankets. Don't cover your baby's head.

  • Have your baby room share, not bed share. 

  • Baby must be able to roll both directions before it’s OK to allow them to remain in the sleep position they prefer. Otherwise, you need to put your baby on their back for sleep. 

  • Baby should not sleep on a sheepskin unless fully supervised at all times.

  • Infants should not sleep unsupervised in car seats, strollers, swings, or infant carriers. Babies under 4 months are most at risk.

  • No car seats in the crib.

  • Crib should be located well away from curtains, dangling cords, window blind cords, baby monitor cords, and baby mobiles.

  • Infants should never sleep on couches or armchairs.

  • Swaddles are safe to use as long as the baby is on their back and they do not overheat the baby. Swaddles should not be too tight around the hips and knees. When an infant exhibits signs of attempting to roll, swaddling must stop.

  • It is okay to use 1 blanket and/or 1 lovey for ages 12 months and up.

  • It is okay to use 1 pillow for ages 18 months and up.

For more information, you can visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/safe-sleep/?srsltid=AfmBOorhF4C_5O812eET0JD7LVwdstylhmML3Fi6dacNrbjQVUlie8Io

Kaitie Neely
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