Monday, October 7, 2019

Helping Babies Sleep Safely

"Expecting or caring for a baby? Take these steps to help baby sleep safely and reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
There are about 3,500 sleep-related deaths among US babies each year. CDC supports the updated 2016 recommendationsexternal icon issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS. See How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explainedexternal icon to learn more about these and other actions.
Parents and caregivers can help create a safe sleep area for babies by taking the following steps:
  • Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—naps and at night. Even if a baby spits up during sleep, babies’ anatomyexternal icon and gag reflex help prevent them from choking while sleeping on their backs. Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of SIDS than babies who sleep on their sides or stomachs.
  • Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved cribexternal icon covered only by a fitted sheet. Some parents and caretakers might feel they should place their baby on a soft surface to help the be more comfortable while sleeping. However, soft surfaces can increase the risk of sleep-related death. A firm sleep surface helps reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation..."
    Safe baby sleep

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