The abc’s of safe sleep for babies

For the parents and caretakers of infants, nothing is more important than keeping their babies safe. Parents face many challenges in protecting their babies from illnesses, injuries, and unexpected emergencies.

Every year, around 3500 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly while they are sleeping. Most of these are related to either sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or sleep-related accidental deaths such as suffocation or strangulation.

By practicing the ABCs of safe sleep with your baby, you can reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death. The ABCs of safe sleep for babies are Alone, on the Back, in a Crib, and Smoke-free air.

Alone means never sleeping with your baby, under any circumstances. While the American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend room sharing with your infant for at least the first 6 months, the infant should sleep in its own space close by your bed, but never in your bed. If you do bring your baby into your bed to feed or comfort them, place them in their own sleep space when you are ready to go to sleep. Avoid falling asleep with your baby in other spots also. The risk of sleep-related infant death is up to 67 times higher when sleeping with someone on a couch, soft arm chair or cushion.

Alone also means in a crib without any pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or bumper pads. All of these objects increase the risk of suffocation or strangulation. Your baby should be dressed in a snug sleeper. If you are worried about your baby getting cold, you can add a layer of clothing underneath the sleeper, or put on a wearable blanket designed specifically for infant sleep. Be sure not to overdo it, as overheating can increase the risk of SIDS.

Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die suddenly and unexpectantly than babies who sleep on their stomach or sides. Babies should be put to sleep for every nap and every night on their backs for the first year of life. When a baby starts rolling on their own, you do not need to keep turning them over, but still start your baby each night on his/her back. If you are using an infant swaddle, stop using this when the baby starts to roll so their arms are free to help them roll back and forth.

Babies should sleep in a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets safety standards and provides a firm, flat sleep surface. A firm surface should not indent when your baby is lying on it. Any surface that inclines more than 10 degrees is not safe for your baby to sleep on so be careful with inclined sleep products you may see marketed. Be sure your crib mattress is the right size and fits tightly. Use only a fitted sheet to cover the mattress.

Finally, keeping your baby in a smoke-free environment at all times is extremely important. Smoking while you are pregnant or around your baby after birth are significant risk factors for SIDS. This includes vaping and electronic cigarettes. Keep your home and care smoke-free.

If you have questions about providing a safe sleep space for your infant or need assistance getting a safe sleeping option to use in your home, contact the Children’s Wisconsin Family Resource Center in Black River Falls at 715-284-3001 ext. 2, to ask questions and explore available resources.

Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.