North Country Health Nuggets

Safe Sleep: What Every Family Should Know About SIDS

Few tragedies are more heartbreaking than the unexpected loss of a baby.  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of an infant younger than 1 year that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation.  SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants between 1 month and 1 year of age.  While researchers continue to study why these tragedies occur, families can take important steps to create a safer sleep environment and reduce the risk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs for every nap and nighttime sleep.  Infants should sleep in their own sleep space on a firm, flat mattress with only a fitted sheet.  A safety-approved crib, bassinet or portable play yard is recommended.  These products are designed to help prevent entrapment, suffocation, and other hazards and must meet requirements for structural integrity, durability, and safety testing.  When purchasing these items, check to make sure they are safety approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Soft items, including pillows, loose blankets, stuffed animals and crib bumpers, should be kept out of the baby's sleep area.  Babies should also not sleep on couches, armchairs or other soft surfaces.

Experts recommend room-sharing rather than bed-sharing.  Keeping a baby's crib or bassinet in the parents' room allows caregivers to remain close while avoiding the risks associated with an adult bed, couch or chair.

Car seats, swings and other sitting devices are designed for specific purposes and should not be used as a baby's regular sleep space.  A baby who falls asleep in a car seat while traveling should be moved to a safe sleep surface when the trip is over.

Safe sleep practices are important for everyone who cares for an infant.  Grandparents, babysitters, relatives and other caregivers should know the current recommendations too as infant sleep advice has changed over the years.

·                     Place babies on their backs for every sleep.

·                     Provide a separate, safe sleep space.

·                     Use a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet.

·                     Keep soft and loose items out of the sleep area.

·                     Avoid sleep on couches, armchairs and other soft surfaces.

·                     Breastfeed if possible.

·                     Avoid exposing babies to smoke and nicotine.

·                     Get early and regular prenatal care during pregnancy.

By following safe sleep practices, reducing environmental risks, and staying informed, parents can lower their baby’s risk.

On their back, every nap and every night.

If you have questions, talk to your Health Care Provider or contact your Local Public Health office.

For more information, families can visit the Safe to Sleep® campaign American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org and or KidsHealth.org.

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services

(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Wood