Safety tips for Families
Keep Sleep Safe for your Baby
(by Susan Hirtz)
As September is Baby Safety Month, think about the risks to
babies during their primary activity: sleeping. The main reason that healthy
infants who survive the newborn period die is because of SIDS or asphyxiation.
Between 2000 and 2004, 201 infants in Harris County died of
asphyxiation, possible asphyxiation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).*
- At
least 33 of these infants were sleeping in an adult bed with others.
- 45
of these infants were either smothered by objects in the bed or “laid
over.” Bedding, plastic bags and sleeping companions can smother infants,
especially those too young to lift their heads.
- 5
infants choked or strangled. Choking on formula, as when bottles are
propped, can be a hazard. Any object small enough to go through a toilet
paper roll can choke a baby. Strings—like those used for crib toys—that
are longer than 8 inches can wrap around their necks.
- 121
infants died of SIDS.
Many mothers sleep with their babies to make breastfeeding
easier. They feel sure they would wake up if they rolled over on the child.
However, all mothers of young children are exhausted from time to time. If the
mother breastfeeds, she should remain awake and return her baby to the crib when
the feeding is over. If she prefers to have the baby close by while she sleeps,
she might consider a bassinet, cradle or portable play yard that meets industry
standards.
Here
are tips parents can use to help their babies sleep more safely:
-
Always
place the baby on his or her back to sleep.
-
Place the
baby on a firm mattress, such as in a safety-approved crib. Keep soft toys
out of reach. Pillows, comforters and other soft bedding can be a hazard.
-
Avoid
putting the baby to sleep on an adult bed, waterbed, sofa or other soft
surface.
-
Don’t
allow smoking in the home.
-
Make sure
the baby’s face and head stay uncovered during sleep. It’s best to dress
the baby in a one-piece sleeper and not use covers at all.
To
download child safety educational
materials in English or Spanish on this and 14 other safety topics, go to www.texaschildrenshospital.org/InjuryPrevention.
* data from the Harris County Child Fatality Review
Team.
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