New parents are often overwhelmed with all that needs to be done to keep a baby healthy and happy but it’s sometimes the simplest things that go the furthest in protecting your child. For instance—a tight sheet.
According to the Center for Disease Control, one of the leading preventable causes of death for infants in the United States is suffocation. Often this happens while the baby sleeps.
Babies often toss and turn in their sleep, but they lack the ability to move and reposition if they get into an area where they can’t breathe. The easiest way for parents to protect their baby is to follow some simple safety tips:
- Put your baby to sleep in a crib, pack n play or bassinet.
- Do not let them sleep on the sofa, recliner or in a swing.
- If they fall asleep on one of these areas, gently move them to their crib for the safest sleep.
- Many parents are tempted to let their baby sleep with them, but it is not recommended.
- Babies should be put to sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. The cause of SIDS is still widely unknown, but a safe sleep position has been found to decrease the risk.
- Make sure your baby’s crib sheet fits snug and doesn’t move or bunch up. A tight sheet is the only thing that should be in a baby’s crib. Decorative crib bumpers, blankets and stuffed animals all look cute, but they could be harmful for a new baby.
- Utilize a sleep sack to help keep your baby warm and comfortable while they sleep. Sleep sacks zip up snuggly and are a better option than a loose blanket.
- Make sure the crib is placed a safe distance from any windows, strings or cords in the room to prevent accidental strangulation.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions when you assemble your baby’s crib or bed. It’s also a good idea to double check for any recalls or updated safety information. You can find all the latest recalls on the Safe Kids website.
Parents can learn about these tips and more at Child Crisis Arizona’s free Safe Sleep class. Experienced instructors with Safe Kids Maricopa provide valuable resources to help ensure you have all the knowledge necessary to keep your baby safe all night long. You can find this course and more by clicking here.
Being a parent is hard but when parents take time to make sure their baby’s sleep space is comfortable and safe, it helps everyone sleep a little easier.
