How To Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
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If you’re a newborn parent, you are probably worried sick about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It refers to the unexpected and unexplained death of a baby while they are asleep. It generally happens to babies who are less than 12 months old.
There is no sure cause of why this happens, and studies are yet to prove a few theories. But the most considered reason is that it might be because of defects in the infant’s brain responsible for breathing and sleep arousal. Research has identified a few factors that increase the risk of SIDS in your child and also come with ways to prevent it from happening (1). Read on to know more.
What Can You Do To Keep Your Baby Safe?
There is no guarantee that SIDS can be prevented, but there are a few measures that you can take to improve the safety of your baby while sleeping (2):
1. Position Of Placing Baby
It is recommended that you put the baby to sleep on its back rather than its stomach or sides. Follow this at least for the first year of birth, every time they fall asleep. However, you do not have to do this when they are awake or are trying to roll over themselves. If you have a sitter, insist that they follow this method. Inform your friends and family to do the same without assuming that they will.
2. Breastfeed Your Baby
Some mothers choose not to breastfeed their baby but feeding your baby for the first six months reduces the risk of SIDS.
3. Avoid Overheating Your Baby
Parents tend to swaddle the baby and keep them warm. While this is a good thing, too much heat might be dangerous for the baby. Wrap them in a swaddle and ensure that you have not covered their head.
4. Immunize Your Baby
While no evidence proves that immunizing your baby increases the risk of SIDS, some evidence suggests that routine immunizations can reduce the risk of SIDS.
5. Keep your Baby’s Crib Free And Clutter-Free
Your baby might not be able to sleep without his/her “Hugsy” toy but it’s recommended to keep the crib as clear as possible for your baby’s safety. Use a firm mattress and keep the crib clear from thick, fluff pillows and toys. Take out the toys that are in the crib. These objects might interfere with the baby’s breathing and increase the risk of SIDS.
6. Do Not Rely On Devices And Monitors
The American Academy of Pediatrics frowns upon baby monitors and other such devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. They are unreliable and ineffective. It poses a risk and is a concern of safety, so it’s best to avoid them.
7. Allow Your Baby To Use A Pacifier
Studies show that sucking on a pacifier reduces the risk of SIDS. Ensure that it does not have a string or strap and wait until your baby is 3-4 weeks old before you offer one. However, if your baby is not interested in the pacifier, do not force them to use it. In case it falls out of their mouth while they are asleep, do not pop it back in.
8. Put Your Baby To Sleep In Your Room
Ideally, your baby should be sleeping in your room but not in your bed with you. Adult beds are not safe for babies because they may feel suffocated and trapped. A parent can accidentally roll over and hurt the baby. The best thing to do for your baby is to lay them separately in a crib or bassinet in the same room as you. Follow this for at least the first six months, up to one year.
Nearly 3,500 infants die of SIDS each year in the United States, and that is heartbreaking for parents (3). Being a parent of a newborn is quite scary. You don’t want anything to happen to them and are willing to do everything in your power to keep them safe. We hope our article was helpful. Share it with fellow parents to help them out!
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