A safe sleep environment reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death. Public Health Nurses at DCHD are trained in and offer education on Safe Sleep Practices.
There are many myths surrounding babies sleeping on their backs; however, science has proven that back is best for baby.
Some commonly asked questions regarding these myths are:
Q: Isn’t it easier for my baby to choke on their back?
A: No! Babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to suffocate or choke. See why babies are less likely to choke while on their backs.
Q: Why does my baby need to sleep on their back instead of their stomach?
A: Babies do sleep deeper on their stomachs, but it’s safer for baby to wake through the night. When babies sleep deeper,
they don’t wake up as often. When a baby is in a deep sleep and needs to take a deep breath or wake up her airway may be blocked by the mattress or loose bedding or covered in some other way, so she will be at more
risk for suffocation. Back sleeping is safest for your baby!
Q: Won’t my baby get a flat head if they sleep only on their back?
A: For the most part, flat spots on a baby’s head go away a few months after the baby learns to sit up. There are other ways to
reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby’s head, such as providing “tummy time” when your baby is awake and someone is watching. “Tummy time” not only helps prevent flat spots, but it also helps
a baby’s head, neck, and shoulder muscles get stronger.
Q: How long should my baby sleep on their back?
A: Once your baby can roll from back to belly on their own, it’s OK to leave her in the position she finds most comfortable. Remember to put
your baby to sleep on her back for the first year.
Q: Any other tips for safe sleep?
A: Yes – Don’t cover baby’s head with a blanket or over bundle in clothing and blankets.
– Avoid letting the baby get too hot. The baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and rapid breathing.
– Dress the baby lightly for sleep. Set the room temperature between 68 to 72 degrees.
With all the information being thrown at new moms, it’s tough to sort out fact from fiction. The American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations are based on science and extensive research.
The full text of the AAP recommendations is available
here. Follow these guidelines to keep your baby
safe:
- Always place your baby on his or her back for every sleep time.
- Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine
sleep. - The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing
without bed-sharing). - Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads.
- Don’t use wedges and sleep positioners.
- Pregnant women should receive regular prenatal care.
- Don’t smoke during pregnancy or after birth.
- Breastfeeding is recommended.
- Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
- Avoid covering the infant’s head or overheating.
- Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations.
- Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development and minimize the
occurrence of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads).
Safe Sleep wp by Jessica West
