Did you know that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or playpen, in the same room as a parent or caregiver? Watch our video on the ABC’s of Safe Sleep: Alone on my Back in a Crib.
According to the Child Fatality Review Program, 41 Arizona babies died in 2016 while co-sleeping, which is sharing a bed with adults and/or other children; 24 babies died sleeping on their sides or stomachs; 13 babies died sleeping on a couch or futon. That’s 78 baby deaths in just one year due to unsafe sleeping situations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a safe sleep environment that includes always placing babies on their back to sleep, using a firm sleep surface, room-sharing without bed-sharing, and avoiding soft bedding and overheating. At the Arizona Department of Health Services, our Safe Sleep Task Force creates and distributes crib cards to serve as reminders. The cards can be placed on the bassinet at the hospital and/or the crib when baby comes home.
Remember, “Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play!” Your baby needs this to develop strong muscles. Tummy time is for babies who are awake and being watched. Remember to never prop your baby on a pillow for tummy time. A firm surface is required.
You can also reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) by preventing a baby’s exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Breastfeeding, routine immunizations, and use of a pacifier are also ways to lower the risk of SUID.
To learn more about how you can keep your kids safe, visit our website.
