The three commonly reported types of sudden unexpected infant deaths include sudden infant death syndrome SIDS unknown cause and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Many of these tragedies are preventable with the right tools and education about safe sleep practices. Parents should talk to their child’s doctor if they have questions about the best sleeping position for their baby. Place your baby on their back to sleep Babies who sleep on their backs are at lower risk for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome SUIDS than babies who sleep on their stomach or sides. If a baby usually sleeps on their back, putting them on the stomach or side to sleep increases the risk for SUIDS by up to 45 times Once babies can roll from back to stomach and stomach to back on their own, you can leave them in the position they choose after starting sleep on their back. If they can only roll one way on their own, you can reposition them to their back. Use a sleep surface that is firm, flat, and only covered by a fitted sheet Sleeping on soft surfaces— like couches or recliners, raises the baby’s risk of wedging or entrapment, suffocations, and strangulation. Inclined or tilted surfaces are not safe for babies to sleep on because the baby’s body can slide down, which could block their airway and breathing. You should also avoid letting baby nap while sitting slumped over with their chin on their chest because this could also inhibit their breathing. If the baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller or other carrying device, gently move the baby to an appropriate sleep space as soon as possible. Keep things out of your baby’s sleep area Toys, crib bumpers, loose blankets and other objects should be removed from your infant’s crib, bassinet or play yard while sleeping Things in the sleep area can pose dangers for baby, especially if they are soft or squishy like pillows or toys, sheets even if light-weight, or weighted like blankets. Avoid letting baby get too hot while sleeping Dressing baby in a wearable blanket, like Halo sleep sacks, can keep them warm without adding items to the sleep area. Watch for signs that baby is too hot, such as sweating, flushing/red or hot skin, or baby’s chest feeling hot to the touch.
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Sunday, September 8, 2024