02/18/2012
Safe Sleeping for Babies: How to reduce the risk of crib death
Making sure that your child is safe while sleeping is something that you, as a parent, must always keep in mind.
Sudden Infant Death (SIDS), or crib death, is every parent’s worst nightmare. Researchers have found that most crib deaths occur in babies under 6 months old. As a baby gets older, the risk is reduced. SIDS occurs when a baby is sleeping and can happen during the night, but also in the day during naptime. There are a number of steps parents can take in order to reduce the chance of this tragedy from happening.
A baby is the safest if she is put to sleep on her back. At 6 months, she will begin to roll and it is hard to control her position. Even so, when you put her down to sleep at the beginning of the night, you should still put her down on her back.
Do not smoke during pregnancy. The risk of SIDS increases with a mom or dad who smoke.
Do not smoke around your baby – you, or anyone else. SIDS is more common in babies who are regularly exposed to smoke.
Do not clutter your baby’s crib. Avoid pillows, large stuffed animals, duvets or comforters. Keep your baby’s head uncovered and make sure any bedding (cotton blanket) is tucked in no higher than your baby’s shoulders. If you use a grow bag, make sure it fits well so that your baby cannot slide down inside.
Never sleep with a baby on a couch or armchair.
Do not sleep with your baby if you or your partner smokes, if you or your partner has been drinking alcohol, if you or your partner takes medication that makes you drowsy, or if you or your partner is very tired. In addition, do not sleep with a baby who was premature (under 37 weeks) or small at birth.
If you would like more information, you can visit The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths.