Did you know that babies should sleep on their back rather than on their belly? Sleep position is the most important factor in preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Each year in the U.S., about 3,500 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly in their sleep. In about half of these deaths, doctors can’t find a medical reason to explain why, even after a complete review. When the doctor doesn’t have answers, the death is called sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

“Following safe sleep practices for your baby is one of the most effective ways to help prevent SIDS,” said Christine Powell, BSN, RN, Aultman Birth Center bereavement, family education and outreach coordinator. “It’s important to educate parents, grandparents and caregivers on safe sleep practices for babies. We ask families and caregivers to remember the ABCs of safe sleep – alone, back and crib.”

Here’s what to know about the ABCs of safe sleep:

Alone

Put your baby to sleep alone in their crib. Keep soft items like toys, crib bumpers and blankets out of the crib.

"When we say ‘alone,’ we mean that everything is removed from the crib, even any blankets,” Powell said. “If something is in the crib, it could easily block a newborn’s nose and mouth, preventing them from breathing properly. And newborns aren’t able to pull anything away from their face.”

Babies need only a T-shirt or onesie with a light one-piece sleeper or a wearable blanket, also called a sleep sack. It is best to start with less clothing for sleep and then add a layer or socks if necessary when your baby feels cooler. Hats and any kind of weighted blankets or weighted sleep sacks are NOT safe for your baby to sleep in.

Back

Place your baby on their back to sleep. Do this both during naps and at night. Studies show this is the best way to reduce the risk for SIDS or other sleep-related causes of infant death. Don't put a baby on their side or stomach to sleep.

“Think about a baby’s anatomy – everybody has a ‘food pipe’ and a ‘wind pipe,’” Powell said. “A baby can clear their airway – ‘wind pipe’ – when they’re on their back. But when a baby is on their stomach, it’s difficult for them to clear liquids from their airway. Sleeping on their back is the safest position.”

When babies are awake and supervised, you can put them on their tummy. “Tummy time eases pressure on the back of your baby’s head and helps them build shoulder and neck strength,” Powell said. “But supervise the baby at all times when they’re on their tummy. If you even leave the room for a moment to let the dog out, put your baby on their back.”

Crib

Use a safe sleep surface. “By crib, we mean a firm, flat surface – not at an angle or inclined,” Powell said. “Examples of safe surfaces include a crib, bassinet or portable crib or play yard.”

Be sure that these sleep products meet the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Check the CPSC website at http://www.cpsc.gov to verify that the sleep product has not been recalled. This is especially important for used cribs.

“The safest sleeping arrangement is to have the baby in the room with you, but not in your bed,” Powell said. “No one should ever co-sleep with a baby in any situation. It’s just too dangerous to fall asleep with a baby in the bed. You could easily roll over onto your baby and not even feel it. But when you sleep in the same room, in a separate bed, it’s easier to get up and care for the baby’s needs.”

For more information on safe sleep, visit the following websites:

Ohio Department of Health – Infant Safe Sleep

Safe Kids Worldwide – Sleep Safety and Suffocation

National Institutes of Health – About Safe Infant Sleep

Sources:
Aultman Health System
National Institutes of Health
The StayWell Company, LLC