During your baby’s first year of life, sleep can become an important focus. Although one concern can be the amount of sleep your baby is getting, the most important is a safe sleep environment.
Learning about SUIDS (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome) and safe sleep for babies is important for all caregivers, not just for parents. SUIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year of age that doesn’t have a known cause even after a complete investigation. SUIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year of age. “Crib death” is a common term used when referring to SUIDS because deaths often happen while a child is sleeping caused by an unsafe sleeping environment.
It is important for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, childcare providers, and anyone else who might care for babies to learn more. Simple actions can make a big difference.
To keep your baby as safe as possible while sleeping, remember your ABCs:
A - Alone
All by myself: Babies should never be placed to sleep with a parent, sibling or another caregiver.
B - Back
On my back: Your baby should never be placed to sleep on their side or stomach. Placing a baby to sleep on their stomach doubles the risk of death.
C - Crib
In my crib: Your baby should always sleep in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, and portable crib; free of any soft objects (pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and/or bumper pads). The crib mattress or portable crib mat should be firm with only a tight-fitted sheet.
Need More Help?
The Women’s Hospital offers a class called “From Pregnant to Parent” which offers education for parents on sleep training and safe sleep for their baby. These classes cover recommendations for safe sleep spaces, clothing, and how to use a sleep sack. The “From Parent to Grandparent” class is another great option for those who want to learn about the newest recommendations to keep grandchildren safe.
For more information on safe sleep for babies, the following trusted sources are available: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/baby-safe-sleep.
html https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/safesleepbasics/about
https://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/safe-sleep-for-your-baby.aspx
The Women’s Hospital is excited to have attained the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program’s highest designation of Gold Safe Sleep Champion. Learn more about safe sleep and our Cribs for Kids program, but always remember your ABCs when caring for sleeping babies!
