Create a safe sleep environment for your baby - WellSpan Health
Create a safe sleep environment for your baby
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Michael Goodstein, MD, a neonatologist at WellSpan York Hospital, is interviewed by WGAL’s Ed Weinstock following a press conference about SIDS Awareness Week. Dr. Goodstein discussed the ABC’s of safe sleep for infants. The ABC’s are a reminder that babies should sleep Alone, On Their Back and In Their Crib, with no exceptions.
October is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Awareness Month. SIDS is the leading cause of infant death for babies one to 12 months old. More than 2,200 babies died of SIDS in 2009.
SIDS is a sudden and silent medical disorder that can happen to an infant who seems healthy. Health care providers and researchers don’t know the exact causes of SIDS, but they know certain things you can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS.
SIDS is sometimes called ‘crib death’ because it is associated with the time when the baby is sleeping. Cribs, however, do not cause SIDS, but the baby’s sleep environment can influence sleep-related causes of death.
To create a safe sleep environment:
- Always place a baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night, to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Use a firm sleep surface, covered by a fitted sheet.
- Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.
- Keep soft objects such as pillows and blankets, toys and bumpers out of your baby’s sleep area.
- Do not smoke during pregnancy or allow smoking around your baby.
- Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep.
- Breastfeed your baby.
- Give your baby a dry pacifier that is not attached to a string for naps and at night to reduce the risk of SIDS.
For more information about SIDS, go to www.sidscenter.org.