Every year, we hear about tragic, preventable infant deaths caused by accidental suffocation and strangulation. And on top of that, there’s Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is every parent’s worst nightmare. But the good news is that there are ways to lower the risk of SIDS and prevent these accidental deaths.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has laid out some pretty straightforward guidelines to help us parents create a safer sleep environment for our little ones and reduce the risk of SIDS. Let’s break down these key safe sleep practices.
What SIDS Is and Is Not
SIDS is when a baby under a year old dies suddenly and unexpectedly during sleep, and we don’t know why. Though the exact cause is still a mystery, researchers have found several risk factors, and there are things we can do to significantly lower the chances of it happening. On the other hand, accidental suffocation happens when a baby’s airway gets blocked, cutting off oxygen and causing death.
Most SIDS cases happen between 1 and 4 months, with 90% occurring in the first 6 months. While it becomes less common after 8 months, it's still crucial to stick to safe sleep practices until your baby’s first birthday to help reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related dangers.
The First Step: A Safe Sleep Environment
1. Back to Sleep for Every Sleep:
Always put your baby on their back to sleep, whether it’s for naps or nighttime. This simple step is crucial for the first 12 months and reduces the risk of SIDS.
2. Use a Firm and Flat Sleep Surface:
Make sure your baby sleeps on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or travel crib. Avoid using soft surfaces like couches, loungers, swings, or car seats, which can increase the risk of suffocation.
3. Room Share Without Bed Sharing:
Have your baby sleep in the same room as you, but not in the same bed. Keeping your baby close by but in their own sleep space reduces the risk of suffocation and other sleep-related deaths.
4. Keep the Sleep Area Free of Hazards:
Remove soft objects, toys, and loose bedding from your baby’s sleep area. No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or crib bumpers—they can all increase the risk of suffocation, even the mesh crib liners that have been linked to strangulation. Instead of blankets, use a swaddle or a wearable blanket to keep your baby warm. The reflective design on our Sleep of Mind Newborn Swaddle lets you see your child’s body moving with each breath, giving you peace of mind with a glance at your existing night vision baby monitor. (So that you can breathe a sigh of relief too!) And for your peace of mind, we sourced OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and GOTS Certified materials because we wanted to set a higher standard and surpass all current government standards in North America for infant sleepwear.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Baby Safe During Sleep
1. Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of SIDS. If possible, try to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months. Just remember to stay awake while nursing, and maybe even set an alarm to keep yourself alert.
2. Offer a Pacifier:
Giving your baby a pacifier at naptime and bedtime can also reduce the risk of SIDS. If you're breastfeeding, wait until your baby is around 3-4 weeks old before introducing a pacifier.
3. Avoid Overheating:
Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. Dress your baby in light, breathable layers and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. If your baby feels hot to the touch, they may be overheating.
4. Avoid Exposure to Smoke, Alcohol, and Drugs:
Keep your baby’s environment smoke-free, and avoid alcohol and illicit drugs during pregnancy and after birth, as these increase the risk of SIDS.
5. Regular Prenatal and Postnatal Care:
Regular check-ups during and after pregnancy are vital for your baby’s health and development.
6. Offer Tummy Time:
Tummy time is important when your baby is awake and supervised. It helps them build strong muscles. Start with 3 to 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital.
7. Immunizations:
Make sure your baby is up to date on their immunizations. Some studies suggest that vaccines may help protect against SIDS.
Do Cardiorespiratory Monitors Help Prevent SIDS?
The AAP does not recommend using cardiorespiratory monitors or other gadgets to prevent SIDS. There’s no solid evidence that these devices work, and they can actually cause more anxiety with false alarms. Plus, relying on them might make parents less vigilant about proven safe sleep practices, like placing the baby on their back and keeping the crib free of soft items. Keep in mind these are not medical grade devices, they are consumer grade, which means they are not held to as high of a standard.
Being Informed Saves Lives
By following the AAP’s guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS and ensure your baby has a safe sleep environment. Remember, your attention to safe sleep practices is key to protecting your little one. If you ever have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for advice and support.
