Help Babies Sleep Safe!

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that there are about 3,500 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDS) each year in the United States. Contributing factors include suffocation, entrapment, and overheating. Parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of SUIDS by knowing what safe and unsafe sleep is for infants.

ABC’s of Safe Sleep:

ALONE Always place baby alone for every sleep.

BACK Always place baby on his/her back for every sleep.

CRIB Always place baby in a crib to sleep. Only baby should be in the sleep area with NO blankets, NO stuffed animals, and NO bumper pads.

More safe sleep recommendation from The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

• A crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) with a tight-fitting firm mattress and fitted sheets is recommended.

• ONLY bring baby in your bed when feeding or comforting.

• Place baby back in his/her sleep area before you go to sleep.

• If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, swing, infant carrier, or sling, you should move your baby to a firm sleep surface as soon as possible.

• Never place baby to sleep on a couch, sofa or armchair.

• Do not smoke, use alcohol or illicit drugs during pregnancy or after baby is born.

• Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

For more information on safe sleep visit: The American Academy of Pediatrics, Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin, or Safe Kids.