New parents will get all sorts of advice on caring for their newborn, especially the "baby basics" of crying, feeding and sleeping. But when it comes to keeping your baby safe, be sure you have the latest info from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It's difficult to focus on much when you're sleep deprived in the early days of parenting, but preparing your home before baby arrives is the best way to make sure baby has a safe place to sleep.
Since 1992, when the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all babies should be placed on their backs to sleep, the numbers of infants who have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has decreased dramatically. However, SIDS is still the leading cause of death for infants under 1 year old, and sleep-related deaths from other causes — like suffocation — have actually increased.
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How to provide a safe sleep environment for your infant
Here are a few tips that can help create a safe sleep environment for you newborn:
- Make sure the crib mattress is firm and flat.
- Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep.
- Keep the crib clear of all pillows, blankets, bumper pads and stuffed animals during sleep time. Even though most crib bedding sets are sold with these extra accessories, and you may want to make your baby's crib look cute, an empty crib is the safest space for your infant to sleep.
- Make sure there are no small objects, strings or wires within reach.
- Check that your child's crib meets safety standards by visiting the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association's website.
Other ways to reduce your baby's risk of SIDS
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, "room sharing, but not bed sharing." This means having your infant sleep in the same room as you, but in their own contained sleeping environment — such as a bassinette, crib or co-sleeper that attaches to the side of bed and can make late night feedings easier. Here are a few things you should know about SIDS and safe sleeping practices:
- Breastfeeding is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
- Evidence suggests that having your infant immunized can reduce their risk of SIDS by up to 50 percent.
- Evidence has shown that pacifiers may reduce the risk of SIDS, but don't force your baby to take the pacifier if he or she is not interested. You can offer a pacifier to your baby during sleep time once your baby is a few weeks old and breastfeeding is firmly established.
- Conversations about safe-sleep habits with others who take care of your baby are crucial.
You can read more about safe infant sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics website.