Safe sleep for your baby
Your baby needs sleep. And you
too. You will both sleep better if you know the risks of sleeping and how best
to keep your little one safe while he sleeps.
Sleep Risks
All children under 1 year of
age are at risk for sudden infant death syndrome, especially those under 6
months of age. This is called cradle death because it happens while the baby is
sleeping in the crib. It is not caused by infection or drugs and cannot be
spread. He is listed as cause of death unless otherwise explained. Some things
increase the odds. This includes:
- Premature birth
- Exposure to alcohol or drugs before birth
- Exposure to smoking before or after birth
- Infection
It is not known whether having
a sibling who died from sudden infant death syndrome increases the risk.
Sometimes a child's airway
becomes blocked during sleep. This can lead to sudden and unexpected infant
death.
Sharing a room
Babies should sleep in their
parents' room for the first 6 months, and even better, until their first
birthday. New statistics show that sharing a room can reduce the risk of sudden
infant death syndrome by up to 50%. It is easier to monitor the child, comfort
him and feed him. But he needs his own safe space: a cradle. Babies should not
sleep in bed with their parents. This increases the risk of the child's
breathing stopping, and is even more dangerous if you smoke, drink, or take
drugs (even some prescription drugs).
Secure bedding
Your baby should rest in a
crib with nothing but your baby. This means there are no bumpers, quilts,
blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, positioning aids, or toys available with
laces. Make sure the mattress is firm and always use a tight-fitting sheet.
Soft bedding - above or below your child - can block his airway.
Less is more
You can see cribs with stuffed
animals, other toys or pillows in magazines and on TV. They may look cute, but
they are not safe for your baby.
Safe sleeping position
Don't let your child take a
nap on sofas, swings, or anywhere near his bed. Whenever you lay your baby down
to cover his eyes, put him in a crib, bassinet, or co-sleeping face up. This is
how your baby should sleep until he can roll back and forth and back and forth.
Sleep positioners like wedges or rolled up blankets may seem like a good idea,
but they can move around and interfere with your baby's breathing.
Because of the way babies are
built, a healthy baby is less likely to choke on their back, despite what you
may have heard. He can no longer cough or swallow what he spit up.
Clothes and blankets
When dressing your baby for
bed, a romper or sleeping bag is the best choice. Depending on the season, it
can be light or dense.
It is better not to use a
blanket at all. The blanket you wear should keep him warm.
Breastfeeding and pacifiers
One of the best ways to
prevent sudden infant death syndrome is to breastfeed your baby. Several
studies show that infants who are breastfed, even for a short time, are less
likely to contract sudden infant death syndrome. Do not breastfeed while
sitting on a chair or couch if you are tired and risk falling asleep yourself.
Pacifiers also reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. If you are planning to breastfeed, do not give a pacifier until you are sure your baby is breastfeeding well. Never hang a pacifier around his neck or fasten it to his clothes while he sleeps. And there is no need to put it back in your mouth after falling asleep.