Early Childhood News

Make Sure Your Baby Is Sleeping Safely

To ensure that babies are sleeping safely, you only need to remember A, B, C, which helps us remember that babies should always sleep ALONE on their BACK in a CRIB. 

ALONE 

Babies sleep the safest when they are ALONE in their crib, without blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, toys or sleep positioners. 

BACK 

Babies sleep the safest when they are ON THEIR BACK, rather than on their tummies or sides. Learn why we should always place babies on their backs to sleep

CRIB  

Babies sleep the safest when they are in a CRIB with a firm mattress and a tight-fitting bottom sheet made specifically for the crib mattress. Learn about new crib standards and what parents need to know

Tragically, more than 3,500 babies in the U.S. die suddenly and unexpectedly every year while sleeping. Many of these deaths are due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or accidental deaths from suffocation or strangulation. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its sleep-related safety recommendations to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths. Here’s what you need to know. 

What you can do to keep your baby safe while sleeping: 

  • Until age 1, babies should sleep on their backs always – for naps and at night. 
  • Always use a firm sleep surface with a tight-fitting sheet made for the mattress. This could include a crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard that meets safety standards
  • Keep baby’s sleep area in the same room with you for six months to one year. Room-sharing (not bed-sharing!) makes it easier for you to watch, comfort and feed your baby. 
  • Only bring baby into your bed to feed or comfort. Do not sleep in bed with your baby. Place your baby on his/her back to sleep, alone, on a firm mattress. 
  • Never place your baby to sleep on a couch, sofa, pillow or armchair. 
  • Don’t share a bed with your baby. 
  • Keep all soft objects and loose bedding outside of baby’s sleep area. 
  • Try giving baby a pacifier at naptime and bedtime. 

If you are preparing to take your baby to child care for the first time, it’s important to plan ahead and ensure that your child will have a safe place to sleep. Here’s a checklist of to-dos to get ready for baby’s first day. 

For more information about practicing safe sleep at home, in child care and everywhere, visit ColoradoShines.com.