Just a few important tips: Infants up to one year old should sleep on their backs, in a crib free of loose bedding and toys.
Did you know that because of the special shape of babies’ throats, they have much less risk of choking while lying on their backs? This is one of many safe sleep facts that pediatricians want parents and other caregivers to know.
Every year in the United States, about 3,500 babies die during sleep due to unsafe sleep environments, and SUID (Sudden Unexpected Infant Death) is the leading cause of death among infants between 1 month and 12 months of age.
“It is imperative that safe sleep is practiced, especially for preterm and low-birth-weight infants, who have a higher risk of sleep-related deaths,” says Malorie Meshkati, MD, a physician in Neonatal Intensive Care at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a longstanding policy on safe sleeping environments for infants, Dr. Meshkati says. In this Q and A, she explains the basics.
What exactly is a safe sleep position?
Infants should be placed on their backs for every nap and sleep on a surface that is firm and flat. The sleep area should be clear of soft objects such as pillows, pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, mattress toppers, fur-like materials, and loose bedding such as blankets and non-fitted sheets. Infant sleep clothing, such as a wearable blanket, is preferable to blankets and other coverings. Swaddling is okay until three to four months of age, when babies may start to roll. You should not swaddle your baby once they start showing signs of rolling. Avoid overheating and head coverings such as hats at home.
My baby has reflux. Can I still put them in safe sleep position?
Yes. Sleeping flat and on their back does not increase the risk of choking or aspiration in infants, even in those with reflux who may often spit up. In fact, babies are at less risk for choking when they sleep on their backs because the shape of their throats keeps fluid from flowing into their lungs. The AAP recommends a video that explains this. You can view it here.
Should my baby sleep in bed with me?
No. The AAP recommends that infants sleep in their parents’ room, close to their parents’ bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants. Evidence shows that the risk of SIDS can be decreased by as much as 50 percent if infants sleep on a separate surface while in the same room as their parents. Room sharing without bed sharing is especially important in the first six months and continues to protect against SIDS for the first year of life.
How old should my baby be when I stop putting them in safe sleep?
The AAP recommends infants be placed in safe sleep, every time they sleep, until they are one year old.
What else should people know about safe sleep?
Consider breastfeeding; this has been shown to be protective against sleep-related infant deaths. Avoid exposing your baby to nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and other drugs. Stay up-to-date on routine immunizations. And let your baby have supervised tummy time every day. You can read more about safe sleeping on the AAP website or watch this helpful video.
