Approximately 3,500 infants die from sleep-related deaths in the United States each year. While this number has drastically improved since the 1990s, it has plateaued since the early 2000s. To help further educate families on the importance of safe sleep practices, October is recognized as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant younger than one.
“Research indicates that the risk of SIDS is higher for babies who are in unsafe sleep environments,” said SSM Health Safe Sleep Champion Amy Kennedy BSN, IBCLC. SSM Health teams are passionate about making a difference in their communities, and believe continuing education is one way we can all help to keep infants safe.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following safe sleep practices should always be followed:
1.Place infants on their back to sleep - every time.
Don’t “swaddle” a baby once they start to roll over on their own (usually around 3 months old). Once babies can roll from their stomach to back, and the reverse, you can let them sleep in the position they choose - after laying them down on their back. If babies can roll only one way, it’s ok to reposition them during sleep.
2. Use a firm, flat mattress in a crib or bassinet.
Avoid leaving infants to sleep on a couch, chair, or inside their car seat (when not in a vehicle).
3. Only use a fitted sheet on the infant’s sleep surface.
Do not add fluffy bedding, blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, or soft toys.
4. Have the baby’s sleep area located nearby, for at least the first six months of life.
Over the years, many baby “positioning” devices and electronic monitoring systems have come into the market, claiming to help prevent SIDS. Some of these products have been linked to injuries or death. The AAP warns that these products do not meet federal guidelines for safe sleep.
Anyone with questions about safe sleep should speak with their primary care provider or clinic/hospital care team.
