Sleep Safety (Adapted from Healthy Steps)

Nurses and doctors now recommend that healthy babies sleep on their backs or sides. This helps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death. A number of studies have been done to find some of the causes of SIDS. Doctors in countries like England, Australia, and Norway began advising parents to place babies on their backs or sides to sleep. Since then, fewer babies have died of SIDS. The thought of SIDS can be very scary: remember that crib death is very rare. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor or nurse practitioner.

Should all babies sleep on their back or side? Talk to your baby's doctor about which sleeping position is best for your child. There are certain health conditions that might require some babies to sleep on their bellies. For example, you should talk to your doctor about sleep position if your baby: was born with a birth defect; was born prematurely; spits up often; or has a lung, heart, or breathing problem.

Can babies choke if they sleep on their backs? Many parents are concerned that their baby will choke on spit-up or vomit if he sleeps on his back. However, there is nothing to suggest that sleeping on the back causes choking. Millions of babies now sleep on their backs or sides and there has not been any increase in choking. If you are worried about placing your baby on his back to sleep, you may feel better about placing him on his side.

What if your baby cries when placed on her back? Some babies don't seem to like sleeping on their backs or sides. You may find that your baby doesn't sleep as well in this position, or seems more irritable when placed on the side or back. Remember that every child is different. You can try other things that may help to soothe your new baby in these positions, such as soft music or your gentle touch. Be sure to talk to your baby's doctor or nurse practitioner if you have worries about your baby's sleep.

What else can you do to protect your new baby from SIDS?

• Make sure your baby sleeps on a firm surface. Do not put your baby down on a fluffy blanket or sheepskin. Keep stuffed animals or soft toys out of your baby's crib in the first year. Never let your baby sleep on a waterbed. Never let him sleep near an opening that he could fall into such as a space between the mattress and the railing.
• Be sure there are no heavy pictures hanging over the crib.
• Be sure there are no cords from blinds within reach of the crib. Even toys hanging across the crib are not safe after about 4 months, when babies start getting their chests up.
• Keep your baby's room temperature warm, but not too warm. If it's too warm for you, then it's too warm for your baby.
• Keep your baby's environment smoke-free. Babies who are exposed to smoke have an increased risk of SIDS. Do not let anyone smoke around your baby. For the nearest programs to help you stop smoking, speak to your doctor or nurse practitioner.
• Be sure to take your baby for her regular checkups and vaccinations. If your baby seems sick, do not hesitate to call your doctor or nurse practitioner.
• Share this information with anyone who cares for your baby: family members; friends; and child care providers.

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011