Safe Sleep for Babies

The first year of life is an amazing time for a baby and for his parents. In 12 short months, a baby develops from a helpless newborn to an inquisitive toddler. Yet many new parents feel overwhelmed and unsure of themselves, especially when it comes to sleep. But it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

The first step to ensure healthy sleep is to create a safe sleeping area for your baby. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death for children under age 1, stops a baby’s breathing and hits suddenly during sleep. While there is no way to entirely prevent SIDS, parents can reduce the risk.

“The No. 1 thing you can do is place your baby on his back to sleep,” says Karin Gooch, M.D., pediatrician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in San Mateo. “There should also be nothing in the crib – no blankets, no stuffed animals, no pillows. Babies should wear their warmth through sleeper outfits.”

Follow these simple tips to ensure safe sleep for your baby.

Safe Sleep Basics

• To reduce the risk of SIDS, always place your baby to sleep on her back.
• Dress your baby lightly for sleep and use sleep clothing (sleepers, sleep sacks and wearable blankets) instead of blankets.
• Set the room temperature to a range that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
• Don’t let your baby get too hot. Signs of this are sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing.

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

• Because of the increased risk of SIDS when bed sharing, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend having your baby sleep in your bed.
• Place your baby to sleep in a no-smoking room.
• Use a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and a well-fitting sheet.
• Cribs and bassinets should be certified for safety by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
• Do not put fluffy blankets, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers, sleep positioners or wedges in the crib or bassinet.
• Place the baby’s crib or bassinet within arm’s reach of your bed for easier breastfeeding.
• Around 4 months of age, your baby will have enough head and neck control to roll over and can be allowed to sleep on his stomach or side.
• Don’t place your baby to sleep on adult beds, chairs, sofas, recliners, waterbeds or cushions. She may fall or get trapped between cushions.

Swaddling Safety Tips

Many medical experts recommend swaddling young babies to keep them calm and help them develop settled sleep patterns. When swaddling, in addition to creating a safe sleep environment, it’s also important to follow these tips.

• A swaddled infant should always be placed on his back.
• When swaddling, make sure that all Velcro and other fasteners are attached securely.
• Tight swaddling of the hips can lead to hip dysplasia or dislocation. It’s important to swaddle your baby so that there is plenty of space for her legs to move.
• Swaddling can increase the risk of head covering, strangulation and overheating. Take extra caution to swaddle your baby in a way that avoids these risks.

Swaddling should not be used after the infant is 2 months old or once he has started to roll over.