Baby's Safe Sleep
Helping Your Baby Sleep Safely
News Update:
(October 18, 2011)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released an updated policy statement on infant safe sleeping environments. Click here for the news release. AAP has also developed parent information for their website: www.healthychildren.org/safesleep.
Some of the recommendations included are:
- Always place your baby on his or her back for every sleep time.
- Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
- The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).
- Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads.
- Wedges and positioners should not be used.
- Pregnant woman should receive regular prenatal care.
- Don't smoke during pregnancy or after birth.
- Breastfeeding is recommended.
- Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
- Avoid covering the infant's head or overheating.
- Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations.
- Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development and minimize the occurrence of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads).
Safe Sleep PSA "Danger"
Keep your baby safe. Learn more about how to reduce the risk of SIDS (4/11/2011)
As a new or expecting parent, you have probably heard of
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.
SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of a healthy baby,
under one year of age. A SIDS diagnosis is based on an examination
of the place where the baby died, an autopsy and a review
of the baby's medical history. Once all other causes are
ruled out the medical examiner may rule the cause of death
as SIDS.
Click on the following links to learn about the steps you
can take to reduce the risk of SIDS:
What Causes SIDS?
There are multiple causes of SIDS, but the actual causes
are not fully understood. Researchers are studying genetics,
infant development and the baby's surroundings (including
the sleep environment) to find answers.
Some risk factors for SIDS include:
- Baby sleeping on the stomach or side
- An unsafe sleep place
- Exposure to cigarette smoke
- Premature or low birthweight baby
Other Links
North Carolina
DHHS Customer Service Center
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1-800-662-7030 (English/ Spanish)
1-877-452-2514 (TTY)
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National
HEALTHYCHILDREN.ORG a new parenting Web site from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The site includes general information related to child health plus more specific guidance on parenting issues and is promoted as "the only parenting Web site backed by 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults."
 Consumer
Product Safety Commission - Information about safe
bedding practices for infants
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Last updated: October 2011 |
