Your Baby’s Guide to Safe Sleep

March 1st is Baby Sleep Day! We want to encourage all parents to practice the safe sleep guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Tragically, each year  about 3,500 babies die while sleeping (HealthyChildren.org). The majority of these deaths can be attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. SIDS is sometimes known as crib death because the infants often die in their cribs (MayoClinic).

There are several things parents can do to help decrease the chances of SIDS in children under one year of age. 

Start by practicing the ABC’s of safe sleep! 

A: Alone

Babies should always sleep alone – not with an adult, other children, a twin, or anyone else. This also applies to items in their crib. Remove any extra items from the crib prior to putting the baby to sleep – no stuffed animals, blankets, or other play items should be in the crib. If you are worried about your baby being cold, try using a sleep sack or other fitted clothing rather than sheets or a blanket. 

B: On their Back

Babies should always be put down to sleep on their back.  The risk of SIDS is much higher when a baby sleeps on their tummy or side. Be sure to advise anyone else who will put your baby to sleep – grandparents, siblings, baby sitters, etc – to place your baby on their back as well; don’t assume that others will automatically place your baby to sleep in the correct position. 

C: In their Crib 

Your baby should sleep in a safe crib or play yard, with a snug mattress and tight-fitting sheet over a firm mattress. 

Other considerations and suggestions for safe sleep:

Have your baby sleep in the same room as you. 

This does NOT mean sleep in the same bed – but rather that you can place their crib in your room for the first year of life. This ensures you will hear and be able to quickly respond to any issues.

Breastfeed your baby, if possible. 

Breast-feeding for at least six months has been shown to lower the risk of SIDS. According to research, the longer you exclusively breastfeed your baby (meaning not supplementing with formula or solid food), the lower his or her risk of SIDS (National Institute of Health).

Have questions about safe sleep, SIDS, or any other concerns? Talk to our staff at your next appointment. We’ll be happy to share resources and recommendations to help address your concerns and ensure your baby receives the best care possible. 

For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.

Sources:

Breastfeed your baby – Eunice Kennedy shriver National Institute of Health. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2018-11/Breastfeed_Baby_SIDS_final.pdf 

How to keep your sleeping baby safe: Aap policy explained. HealthyChildren.org. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx?_ga=2.67630038.69728537.1676405499-233438173.1676405499&_gac=1.149515844.1676405499.CjwKCAiA_6yfBhBNEiwAkmXy5-RPNMqEln0lWyIuChwyap5MY5xbi6bEik7Gw1Id6hwyN8jUGLATlxoCLrYQAvD_BwE&_gl=1%2A90uk65%2A_ga%2AMjMzNDM4MTczLjE2NzY0MDU0OTk.%2A_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ%2AMTY3NjQwODQ4NC4yLjEuMTY3NjQwODQ4NS4wLjAuMA 

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, May 20). Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-infant-death-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352800#:~:text=Sudden%20infant%20death%20syndrome%20(SIDS)%20is%20the%20unexplained%20death%2C,often%20die%20in%20their%20cribs.