FOR SAFE SLEEPING your baby

Lower the Risk of SIDS Sudden Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death of a baby under one year of age.

SIDS can happen in any home. Why babies die from SIDS is not completely understood, but there are things you can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS and make your baby safer. Make sure you talk about the following safe sleeping practices with everyone who cares for your baby.

BACK TO SLEEP FOR EVERY SLEEP Babies who are put to sleep on their back for every sleep have a lower risk of SIDS.

EVERY SURFACE A BABY SLEEPS ON SHOULD BE FIRM, FLAT, AND FREE OF SOFT OBJECTS Babies’ sleep environments should be firm and flat with no loose bedding or soft objects such as pillows, quilts, bumper pads or stuffed toys. Infant that does not pose a hazard of covering the head should be used.

BREASTFEED YOUR BABY If possible, mothers should exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, but any is more protective against SIDS than no breastfeeding. SHARE A ROOM WITH YOUR BABY WITHOUT SHARING A BED Babies should sleep in the same room as their parent(s), but not the same sleep surface, for the baby’s first six months. A crib, bassinet, or play pen that conforms to safety standards should be used. Research suggests sharing a sleep surface with a baby increases the risk of SIDS if the baby is less than 3 months old and/or if either parent: • Smokes • Has recently drank alcohol • Has taken medication or drugs that make them sleep more heavily • Is very tired

DON’T LET BABIES GET TOO WARM Babies who get too warm are at an increased risk of SIDS. Babies may be too warm if they are damp and sweating, if their cheeks are flushed or if they develop a heat rash. Keep babies’ sleeping environment at a temperature that would be comfortable for a lightly dressed adult. Over-bundling and covering of the face should be avoided. Babies should be taken out of snowsuits and other heavy clothing to sleep. Infant sleep clothing that does not pose a hazard of covering the head should be used.

CREATE A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR BABY Babies who are exposed to tobacco smoke before and after they are born have an increased risk of SIDS. AVOID ALCOHOL AND ILLICIT DRUG USE DURING PREGNANCY AND AFTER BIRTH Babies who are born to mothers who drink alcohol and/or use illicit drugs during pregnancy, or are cared for by parents or caregivers who drink alcohol and/or use illicit drugs are at an increased risk of SIDS.

FLAT HEAD IN BABIES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF TUMMY TIME Flat head in babies can be prevented by insuring supervised tummy time when the infant is awake. Also encourage infant to look in different directions while lying on their backs. It is important for babies to spend time on their tummies. This helps babies develop neck, back, and trunk muscles. Time on their tummies should only take place when they are awake and when someone is watching them.

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RESOURCE 2-437 Revised 12/2016