October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life is creating awareness about safe sleep practices with this powerful video on what could happen if a baby does not sleep safely.
Each year on average, 3,500 babies younger than 12-months-old die, suddenly and unexpectedly, due to unsafe sleep environments. An infant death caused by sleeping with a parent, sleeping with blankets or toys in their crib, or sleeping on their stomach happens far too often.
Many parents are aware of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but with a lot of conflicting information and advice from friends and family, who are parents themselves, it’s hard to tell the safest way for your baby to sleep. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Strong4Life focuses on the messaging of ABCs for safe sleep. Put your baby to sleep alone, on their back, and ensure their sleep space is clear.
· Alone - Snuggling is a great way to bond with your baby, but co-sleeping is never safe sleeping. Sharing a bed or napping on the couch puts a baby at risk for suffocation – babies should always sleep alone.
· Back - A baby’s neck muscles aren’t strong enough to prevent suffocation if they sleep on their stomach, so being flat on their back on a firm surface is the only safe way to sleep.
· Clear - Blankets, toys, lovies, and other items can cause suffocation. Their crib mattress should be firm, covered in only a fitted sheet and the crib should be clear of items.
Contributor: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
