Did you know that the number one cause of injury related
death among children under the age of 1 is suffocation? A few quick and easy
steps can be followed in order to reduce the risk of suffocation.
In order for baby to have a safe sleep environment caregivers
should follow the ABC’s of safe sleep. This means that baby sleeps Alone, on
his or her Back, and in a Crib. Babies should not sleep in the same bed as
adults or other children, on their sides or stomach, or in a swing or car seat
that does not provide a safe sleep environment. The crib that baby sleeps in
should also be free of bumpers, pillows, blankets, or other loose objects.
While these items may make the crib look cozy, these items increase the risk of
baby’s airway becoming blocked. It is quite easy for baby to scoot themselves
and their face up against a bumper in the crib and block their airway. The best
sleep environment for baby is a safety approved crib mattress covered with just
a fitted sheet.
Babies should also be dressed lightly to prevent the possibility of overheating while sleeping. If the child's room is colder during the winter, do not use a blanket but instead dress them in a sleep sack or footed pajamas. Please visit the Center for Childhood Safety for more information on safe sleeping and reducing SIDS.
